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Lot Essay
COLOURED SALTWATER PEARLS: NATURE’S RARE ALCHEMY
Pearls are traditionally admired for their soft hues—white, cream, and occasionally yellow. Yet, in rare instances, they reveal unexpected tones such as grey or brown, often collectively referred to as “black” pearls.In Tahitian mythology, these enigmatic gems were considered divine gifts. Legend tells of Oro, the god of fertility and war, descending to Earth on a rainbow—a celestial event believed to bestow the iridescent glow found in pearls and shells.Historically, black pearls were overshadowed by their white and yellow counterparts, reflected in their modest market value.
This changed around 1855 when Empress Eugénie of France embraced pearls of all shades, including the mysterious black variety. Her influence as a fashion iconsparked a growing appreciation for these darker gems, elevating their status in European high society.
The unique bodycolour of a pearl is shaped by a complex interplay of environmental factors and trace elements within the mollusk’s habitat.
Under specific conditions, these elements can produce a subtle red fluorescence, revealing the natural beauty and authenticity of a true black pearl.
Pearls are traditionally admired for their soft hues—white, cream, and occasionally yellow. Yet, in rare instances, they reveal unexpected tones such as grey or brown, often collectively referred to as “black” pearls.In Tahitian mythology, these enigmatic gems were considered divine gifts. Legend tells of Oro, the god of fertility and war, descending to Earth on a rainbow—a celestial event believed to bestow the iridescent glow found in pearls and shells.Historically, black pearls were overshadowed by their white and yellow counterparts, reflected in their modest market value.
This changed around 1855 when Empress Eugénie of France embraced pearls of all shades, including the mysterious black variety. Her influence as a fashion iconsparked a growing appreciation for these darker gems, elevating their status in European high society.
The unique bodycolour of a pearl is shaped by a complex interplay of environmental factors and trace elements within the mollusk’s habitat.
Under specific conditions, these elements can produce a subtle red fluorescence, revealing the natural beauty and authenticity of a true black pearl.