Are black pearls really black?

We distinguish two types of black pearls:

• pearls with a naturally dark color
• pearls that are dyed during or after cultivation (dyed)

The fact that some pearls are gently dyed after cultivation to achieve more intense or attractive shades is common in jewelry. Such pearls are fairly labeled as dyed on the premium market, and we always mark them this way as well. This ensures that our customers have full confidence in the origin and treatment of the pearls, knowing that the pearl’s shade was not entirely natural but was color-enhanced after cultivation.

Tahitian pearls – the only naturally dark ones

The only pearl naturally dark or black is the Tahitian pearl, cultivated in French Polynesia. These are the true “black pearls” most people think of — and they’re rightly considered among the most stunning.

Freshwater black pearls

Freshwater pearls are usually light in color – white, cream, or pink. Dark or black shades are achieved through gentle dyeing. This way, you get the elegant look of a black pearl at a more affordable price.

Black Akoya pearls? Just dyed

Akoya pearls are naturally light – typically white, cream, or softly pink. So black Akoya pearls are also dyed, a common practice in pearl processing.