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Pearl colors

Black pearls

"Black pearls" almost always means Tahitian pearls, from the black-lipped oyster in French Polynesia.

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Illustration. Screens vary, and real pearls change with the light.

Where black pearls come from

"Black pearls" almost always means Tahitian pearls, from the black-lipped oyster in French Polynesia. GIA notes they are not truly black: the bodycolors are charcoal gray, silver, green and brown, often with peacock, cherry or aubergine overtones.

Pearl types with this color

Natural or treated?

A black or dark gray cultured pearl under 8 mm is likely a dyed akoya or freshwater pearl (Jewelry Business). Some dark pearls are dyed with silver compounds, which a lab can detect (GIA).

More on pearl treatments, or build this color yourself in Pearl Studio.

Pearls that come in this color

Tahitian pearls The "black pearls." Saltwater pearls from the black-lipped oyster in French Polynesia, usually 8 to 14 mm, in…

Frequently asked questions

Are black pearls natural?

They can be. "Black pearls" almost always means Tahitian pearls, from the black-lipped oyster in French Polynesia. A black or dark gray cultured pearl under 8 mm is likely a dyed akoya or freshwater pearl (Jewelry Business).

Questions from readers

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Sources

Checked October 22, 2026.