Real Black Pearl In Shell

A cultured pearl is a real pearl grown in a shellfish or mollusk.

Real black pearl in shell.

Some variations in color nacre luster and shape may exist between cultured and natural pearls. While observing pearls under a magnifier specialists can easily tell whether they are a fake or a real gem. Position the pearl about 24 inches above a glass surface such as a mirror or coffee table and let it drop. This black lipped oyster shell with its lustrous colouring is world renowned.

Although often referred to as black pearls their colors range from gray to green and even aubergine. In general if the surface is grainy the pearl is real and if the texture is eggshell like with a rugged look the pearl is an imitation. Note that real pearls come in two varieties. Designers use the black mother of pearl shells for interior decoration in the form of tiles and paneling also in the fashion industry for high end jewellery or pearl shell buttons.

While often smaller than south sea pearls tahitian pearls can also grow quite large with average sizes ranging from 8 to 14 millimeters. Natural pearls which are from shellfish caught in the wild and cultured pearls which are farm raised. Instead of waiting for an irritant like a piece of sand or small rock to enter the shell they are seeded by hand and in large quantities using a bit of shell from a sacrificed mollusk. The colors are completely natural.