Are there really BLACK PEARLS?
Yes, black pearls really do exist. They are found in primarily in the South Pacific, ranging from French Polynesia through Indonesia and as far north as the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. Another type of “black” pearl is also produced in the Gulf of California (Cortez pearls). Black pearls are produced by the Pinctada margaritifera mollusk, also known as the Black-lip Oyster. Although the pearls from this mollusk are often referred to as black, they come in nearly every color of the spectrum. Different names for genuine black pearls are as follows: Tahitian Pearls – This is the name given to P. marg. pearls grown in French Polynesia. Cook Island Pearls – This is the name given to P. marg pearls grown in the Cooks. Black South Sea Pearls – This is the name given to P. marg. pearls grown in all other regions. There are also black akoya and freshwater pearls, but this color does not occur naturally in either variety. In order to obtain a dark color, both akoya and freshwater pearls are treated
