Susan Miller

·Master of Fine Arts in Jewelry Design, Pratt Institute, 2012

·Bachelor of Arts in Gemology, University of California, Los Angeles, May 2005

·Editor-in-Chief, White Victoria (2018 - present)

·Write and research feature articles and profiles for print and online publication

·Contributing Writer, Modern Jeweler and Ornament

·Write and publish freelance articles for IGS and WSJ Magazine

·Jewelry Appraiser (2012 - 2020)

How Much Are Black Pearls Worth Are Black Pearls Expensive

Magical, classy, and mysterious. These words best describe the world of black pearls - the organic gems also known as Tahitian pearls. Black pearls come from the black-lipped bivalve oyster Pinctada Margaritifera, primarily farmed on the islands of French Polynesia and Tahiti. 

It takes around 18 to 24 months, from the time of grafting to the time of harvesting, to achieve the desired nacre thickness of 0.8 and above- a feature that makes them one of the rarest and most sought-after color pearls. They come in sizes ranging between 8mm to 15mm and in shapes such as semi-round, round, circle, oval, baroque, semi-baroque, and teardrop.

Though 'black' is used to describe their body color, their extravagant dark hues come in shades of silver, green, gray, brown, purple, and black. Typically, the most valued black pearls are those with peacock, blue, and dark green overtones. Darker pearls attract higher value.

There are three types of black pearls on the market: 

Black Tahitian pearls: these pearls are rare because they are organically produced and derive their dark color naturally. However, there are also cultured black pearls, which is what you will mostly find in the market.

Black Tahitian pearls

Black freshwater pearls: Freshwater pearls do not come naturally in black. So, any black freshwater pearl is produced with dyes or irradiated.

Black freshwater pearls

Black Akoya pearls: they are treated manually to achieve their black body color since Akoya pearls do not come naturally in black.

Black Akoya pearls

How Much Are Black Pearls Worth? 

How Much Are Black Pearls Worth

Black pearls do not all have equal worth; some are worth more than others. Natural black Tahitian pearls are more durable and are worth more than dyed black freshwater pearls and dyed black Akoya pearls. So, that is the first factor to consider.

In the world of pearls, worth is measured by these value indicators: size, shape, luster, surface quality, and nacre quality. Perfectly round and black pearls of around 14mm are worth a fortune, especially where they have great surface quality and a brilliant shine. Overall, with all boxes ticked, black Tahitian pearls are worth every penny because they come from nature.

The Price Range for Black Pearls

The Price Range for Black Pearls

A fine strand of black pearl jewelry is valued at an average of $8,000. Black freshwater pearls and black Akoya pearls cost around $50 to $2000, they cost less than untreated pearls, which are valued at around $10,000.

Price of Tahitian Black Pearls Compared to Other Black Pearls

Price of Tahitian Black Pearls Compared to Other Black Pearls

A strand of natural black pearls (Tahitian black pearls) costs between $300 to $10,500, while larger gems with top quality are valued at around $33,500 or more. With dyed Black Freshwater Pearls, however, expect to pay between $50 to $1000 and from $150 to 2000 for dyed Black Akoya Pearls.

Are Black Pearls Expensive?

Are Black Pearls Expensive

It depends. They have about the same value as white pearls if they are freshwater pearls, as most black pearls on the market are dyed white pearls. But Natural black Tahitian pearls are worth their price and a good investment choice because of their very thick nacre which guarantees durability.

Price Comparison of Black Pearls and Pearls of Other Colors

Price Comparison of Black Pearls and Pearls of Other Colors

Black pearls deviate from the conventional cream and white shades and are hard to come by and, as such, attract a higher price. They are generally regarded as one of the most unique and rarest color pearls, with prices ranging from $300 to above $30,000. Blue pearls are also rare. They regularly sell for $270 to $3000. 

For purple pearls, the prices dangle between $600 and $1,700. Golden pearls, on the other hand, attract anything from $80,000 on average for a fine necklace strand. They are considered the "Rolls Royce" of cultured pearls.

Factors That Affect Pearl Price

Factors That Affect Pearl Price

As you may already know and as stated by the GIA, the price of pearls is significantly influenced by factors ranging from shape, size, color, luster, nacre quality, and surface quality. Without a detailed consideration of these factors, it would be impossible to determine the true value of pearls. 

Are Black Pearls of High Quality and Worth the Price?

Are Black Pearls of High Quality and Worth the Price

With minimal or invisible blemishes such as drills and wrinkles, a shiny orientation that reflects brilliant shimmer when exposed to light, a feature described as luster. Also, when you consider its enviable sizes, black pearls are considered high-quality pearls. They are worth the price as a premium fashion item and a long-term investment.

Black Pearls Jewelry Collection

Black Pearls Jewelry Collection

The Whitevictoria online store offers various Tahitian black pearls to take your fashion another notch. 

The black pearls jewelry collection includes a 10.0-11.0mm Tahitian Black Pearl and Diamond Ring of AAAA Quality, a 9.0-10.0mm Tahitian Black Pearl and Diamond Halo Ring, a 9.0-10.0mm Black Tahitian Pearl Stud Earrings in 18K Gold of AAAA Quality, a 9.0-10.0mm Black Tahitian Assael Earrings in Sterling Silver - AAA Quality, and many more. These collections of black pearl jewelry elevate your fashion and complement your look.

Conclusion

Conclusion

Mystical and breathtaking black pearls, with their exotic sheen, continue to dazzle jewelry users, pearl collectors, and fashion enthusiasts. If you consider investing in pearls, keep in mind that natural black pearls are more pricey than cultured black pearls, freshwater, and Akoya black pearls, or even the traditional white and off-white pearls. With all value indicators checked, natural black pearls are a great buy for their exotic look and rareness.

FAQs

FAQs

Are Black Pearls Real? 

Yes. Black pearls are real. The black Tahitian pearls are so called because of their natural, untreated dark hue. On the other hand, Black Akoya pearls and freshwater pearls are treated and dyed to achieve their dark shade.

Where Do Black Pearls Come From? 

Natural black pearls come from the black-lipped oyster Pinctada Magaritifera, found on the Island of French Polynesia. However, there are also the Black Akoya pearls and Black freshwater pearls, which are dyed to achieve their dark tones.

How Are Black Pearls Made? 

Natural black pearls are made when an external body or irritant enters the shell of a black-lipped oyster. That can either happen naturally or through pearl farming, while black freshwater pearls and black Akoya pearls are dyed to give them their dark tone.

Which Color Pearl Is The Most Valuable? 

Gold color South Sea pearls are easily the most valued color pearls. They are formed by the gold-lipped Pinctada maxima, which takes about 3 to 4 years to grow; they are so rare and highly valued. On average, a perfect strand of gold pearl jewelry would cost around $300 to $10,000