Who We Are
Aloha! Welcome to Black Pearl Gallery! Our other website is: E-Blackpearl.com
We specialize in beautiful high quality pearls with outstanding customer service.
Black Pearl Gallery fine jewelry offers beautiful Tahitian Black Pearls set in 18k and 14k gold designer creations as well as premium freshwater, golden South Sea, and other exotic pearls.
Discover the magic of Pearls!
We are a small family business that has been in operation in the Hawaiian Islands since 1983.
We have recently moved from our brick and mortar locations in HI. Now we visit a variety of art and jewelry shows around the country. We specialize in pearl jewelry, specifically the very rare and exotic Tahitian pearl. We hand select the highest quality pearls and design the settings with beautiful gold, silver, or diamonds.
We have recently moved from our brick and mortar locations in HI. Now we visit a variety of art and jewelry shows around the country. We specialize in pearl jewelry, specifically the very rare and exotic Tahitian pearl. We hand select the highest quality pearls and design the settings with beautiful gold, silver, or diamonds.
A peek into our pearl business. |
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We love new projects!
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Tahitian Black Pearl History Born in the azure blue lagoons of the South Pacific, these world-famous pearls embody the spirit of aloha and are revered for their intense rainbow of colors, their glowing luster, and their significant size. One hundred times more rare than white pearls, Black Pearls are considered to be one of the rarest gems on Earth. 100 Times More Rare Than White Pearls Although they are called Black Pearls, the colors range from iridescent emerald green, sea green, pale silver blue, peacock, melon, peach-copper, pink, cranberry, bordeaux, indigo and aubergine, to dark green and deep midnight black. Shimmering, iridescent, exotic and rare, Black Pearls are the ultimate gift of love and romance. The Black Lipped Oyster Tahitian Black Pearls are born from the giant black-lipped oyster (the Pinctada Margueritafera). Lovingly tended on private Tahitian island atolls, the Black Pearl grows in the shell for two to five years before it is carefully harvested. Black Pearls are prized for their large size, glorious luster, and rainbow of colors. We at the Black Pearl Galleries hand select the most lustrous, colorful Tahitian Black Pearls available. Determining Pearl Value Luster Always look for luster first when selecting a Black Pearl. The luster or reflective surface shine is the highly mirror-like quality. The better the luster the higher the quality pearl, because the luster indicates a thick layering of pearl material or nacre. Usually this means the pearl has been in the oyster a long time. The thicker the pearl nacre, the better the pearl. Size Size is one of the most important criteria for evaluating black pearls. Since the Black Lipped Oyster is one of the largest oysters in the world, the pearls can also be of exceptional size. The size may average 8-10.5mm, or in some cases 11-14mm. The size is affected by the nucleus and the nacreous layer secreted around it, as well as the size and health of the oyster. The largest Black Pearl we have ever seen was 23mm, the size of a small bird egg! Size is only one of the factors used to grade black pearls. Each pearl is evaluated individually using all six criteria Shape Black Pearls come in a wide range of natural shapes ranging from pear-shaped, tear-drop, button, mushroom, acorn, barrel, and baroque shapes. All the shapes of black pearls are considered desirable and marketable. Often, the pear-shaped and baroque pearls are set in pendant designs, and the rounder pearls are used for rings and earrings. Round pearls are harder for the oyster to create and therefore they are more rare and more expensive. Orient The Orient is the heart and soul of the pearl. The Orient is defined as the way the pearl reflects and decomposes light through aragonite crystals. The Orient is the play of light penetrating the surface, the depth of color and light that can be observed by looking past the reflective lustrous surface and into the many layers of pearl material or nacre. Each layer reflects light and creates the illuminating glow reflecting light from within the pearl. The best way to observe orient is to hold the pearl in front of a neutral background such as a white shell. As light shines into the pearl, the eye is able to see past the surface color and to the colors of each layer of nacre that surrounds the pearl. Color Tahitian Black Pearls come in a rainbow of beautiful natural colors. Each color is special, and each is sought after by collectors. The most important factor in selecting color is to determine which color looks best on the wearer. The colors comes alive on different skin tones and complexions. All pearls have an under-color ranging from pale silver to dark black. Often, there will also be a layering of iridescent hues in addition to the under color. These shimmering colors can be peach, copper, pink, sea green, turquoise blue, peacock green, burgundy and bordeaux, indigo and navy, purple and lavender to canary and cranberry to deep midnight black. Surface The outer skin of the pearl may be analyzed for smoothness and perfection to determine the "beauty-marks" or imperfections of the pearl. Every pearl will have some tiny "surface marks" which add to the character and personality of each pearl. Most birthmarks are imperceptible to the naked eye and give the pearl character. The beauty marks help to determine if the pearl is "real", i.e. a natural color natural shape cultured gem. Simulated pearls, Faux pearls and beads will have a perfectly smooth surface. |