Black Pearls

Nothing says elegance and grace like a fine set of pearls, but the classic style of the pearl is not always the classic, white pearl we initially think of when we hear the word pearl.  Black pearls make a unique statement through the traditional style of the jewelry in its contrasting color. These precious gems can be admired on such celebrities as Ivanna Trump and Elizabeth Taylor.

Black pearls are rare and they were even scarcer during the middle of the twentieth century. The pearls were so popular in Japan in the 1950’s that the oysters that produce the gems nearly became extinct. Professor Wada, a French Polynesian pearl expert, was sent to Japan to start oyster farms. The oyster farms kept the oysters from becoming extinct and the first pearl farm was created.

Jean-Marie Dormand is known as the father of black pearl farming. He researched pearl cultivation and in 1961, he worked with the French Polynesians to farm black pearls in Tahiti. A Japanese pearl cultivating professional was sent to Tahiti to introduce techniques for cultivating the precious, black pearls. By 1966, the first pearl farm was established off the coast of Manihi, and in 1972, the first Tahitian black pearls to be exported were farmed and set to go on their journey.

This first shipment of black pearls marked the beginning of our fascination with the magnificent jewels and the industry began to grow in scale in great proportions. Today, the largest producer in the black pearl industry is Wan. Wan cultivates and exports more than sixty-percent of the world’s supply of black pearl.
The farmed oysters start off as infants. The Polynesians refer to these baby oysters as “pipis”. The pipis are formed from eggs that collect on sea weed. The sea weed grows on ropes that are strategically placed in the oyster farm. When the pipis reach a certain size, they are removed from the rope and when they are at least three inches in diameter, they are hanged to help them grow more. Once the oysters are four or five inches in diameter, they are injected with a small bead from a clam. This small bead irritates the oyster and a pearl begins to develop around the intrusive object. The pearl is left to grow for a period of eighteen to twenty-four months.
The pearls are harvested twice each year. Only a few of the peals grow to the quality of a fine gem, so a fine black pearl is quite expensive. The black pearl is the rarest gem in the pearl family. It’s unique color and reflective quality is mesmerizing. Although traditional white pearls are a staple for a woman’s jewelry wardrobe, the black pearl is a true prize from the sea.