History of the Black Pearl Necklace

Black pearls were said to be discovered around 1845 from the South Sea and the Mexican coast, though there has been no real documented date of the finding. In the beginning black pearls were considered of less value than the yellow or white pearls. It took about ten years for the pearls to become popular and fashionable. The pearls were first considered a part of fashion in the nineteenth century in Europe. The Empress Eugenie of France wore a black pearl necklace. During this times the value of black pearls was high because of their rarity.

Royal families have loved pearls for years. The Egyptians, Romans, and Arabians have all prized pearls over all other gems in their history. Egyptian love for decorative pearls were in effect since 4200 B.C. Pearls were a pivotal role in an important documented dinner between Cleopatra and Marc Anthony.

Black pearls are currently very costly because they are now of high demand as jewelry. The black pearl necklace is available in both cultured black pearl and natural black pearl. Cultured black pearls are a little more expensive because it requires more labor on these pearls. They are assisted by expert pearl farmers. Where natural pearls are obtained straight from their host shell.

Generally the color of a pearl is the same color of the shell. The color of the pearl corresponds with the point of the shell at which it was formed. There are several theories on the coloration of a pearl. Once upon a time dew was considered a reason for pearl coloration. Fair weather formed white pearls and cloudy weather formed dark or black pearls. People then began to believe that color was influenced from water depth. In deep water they were white and in shallow water where sunlight could penetrate, dark pearls were formed. It then advanced to the belief that location was the reason for dark pearls. In waters with dark mud dark, pearls formed.