Considering black pearl and diamond rings – Two very different gems.
Black Pearl & Diamond Rings
Pearls work wonderfully well with diamonds. This is especially true if the pearl is black. The above image taken earlier this week, is ring design R1D018S and features a central Tahitian pearl. Pearl is an organic gem, prized for the luminescent and very subtle appearance. Pearls have many contrasting qualities to diamond. Firstly pearls do not need cutting. Most pearl jewellery works with the natural shape of the pearl. Cultured pearls sold commercially, exist in more plentiful supply compared to rarer natural pearls. Cultured pearls originate from freshwater or seawater. The hardness of pearls ranges from 2.5 – 4 on the Moh’s Scale, making them more fragile than diamonds, having a hardness of 10 by comparison. A general rule of wearing pearls recommends “putting on last, taking off first,” and avoiding contact with perfumes and hairspray. Since pearl is a much more fragile material, you should take care when wearing such rings, especially with a prominent gem at the centre, as in this particular piece.
Black Pearls are typically cultured in Tahitian Oysters. Many other types of shell produce cream colours, but the contrast with diamonds tends is more subtle. The striking effect of the black pearl, with the whiteness of diamonds adds impact by way of contrast to the ring.
The Three Components of Pearl Colour
Pearl colouration includes three aspects. The body colour – this is the primary colour, usually light, dark or coloured. Overtone colour is a tint that appears across the pearl. Orient is a third aspect, associated with some pearls, producing an iridescent rainbow of colours. The above ring shows a metallic green overtone, considered a desirable trait among black pearls.
Pearl Luster
On a last note, we should really mention luster. This is an important quality of pearls. This is the brightness of the pearl, and represents the measure and quality of light being reflected back from the surface of a pearl. The accumulated layers of a pearl (the nacre) should ideally be fine, thick and fairly uniform, producing a wonderfully lustrous surface, considered a desirable characteristic.
About Mark Johnson
My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. I have 30 years or experience in polished diamonds and jewellery. Today, I work with an expert team in our Isle of Wight jewellery showroom located in Ryde. Most of my work involves helping clients in our showroom, working on our two websites and photographing jewellery commissions.
