We tend to think of pearls as perfectly white, but black pearls are having their day. The most intriguing variety of pearls, black pearls are alluring, mysterious and avant-garde, challenging the status quo.
As an increasing number of people turn towards non-orthodox jewelry styles, black pearls are growing in popularity.
Let’s take a look at the meaning and symbolism of black pearls and whether it’s the right type of pearl for you.
The Only Authentic Black Pearls
First things first, you’ll come across lots of black pearl varieties on the market, but the only authentic variety is the Tahitian black pearl, which are found in Tahiti and the French Polynesian islands. Other varieties have simply been dyed to exhibit a black color. These include black freshwater and black Akoya pearls.
Throughout history, black pearls held a special place. As they were different, they were valued but looked upon as mysterious. They were only worn by royals and the nobility, which gave them a superior status to white pearls.
Over time, various myths and superstitions became attached to the pearl, attempting to explain its origins and properties.
Black Pearls Myths
Depending on where you look, there’s a different myth and symbolism attached to black pearls. Here are the most popular ones:
- Chinese Black Pearl Myth
The Chinese believed that black pearls were formed within the heads of dragons. Because of this, they’re associated with wisdom and knowledge in Chinese lore. In order to get a black pearl, one had to kill the dragon. Naturally, this association made black pearls very rare and precious.
- Ceylonese Legend
This one has Christian connotations and states that when Adam and Eve were banished by God from the Garden of Eden, they wept as they left. The tears then formed into a lake of pearls. The legend then takes on a sexist tone, stating that Eve wept white tears (white pearls) while Adam wept black tears (black pearls) and because men weep less than women (no proof for this!), black pearls are much rarer than white ones.
- Polynesian Black Pearl Myth 1
Because black pearls come from Polynesia, it’s apt that there are myths from this region concerning black pearls. The Polynesian legend is romantic and sees the black pearl as representing eternal love. Here, the god Oro is believed to have come down to earth to gift a black pearl oyster to humans on earth. However, because he fell in love with the princess Bora Bora, he gave her the oyster as a symbol of his love.
- Polynesian Black Pearl Myth 2
Another Polynesian legend believes that the moon floods the ocean with light to appeal to oysters in the sea. If the oysters are drawn to the light and come to the surface, they are gifted with dew from the heavens. As time passes, these drops of dew turn in polished black pearls.
These legends explain why the black pearl have acquired certain connotations and symbolism. These are discussed below.
Black Pearl Meanings and Symbolism
With the above legends in mind, let’s take a look at the different meanings that black pearls have come to symbolize.
- Black pearls symbolise wisdom and knowledge. As a result of this connotation, giving a gift of black pearls is like giving someone the gift of knowledge or wishing them wisdom on their journey of life.
- Black pearls can also represent tears and sadness. This connection applies to white pearls too, which is why some people consider wearing pearls on a wedding day as unlucky.
- Black pearls also represent everlasting love. As such, this is an excellent choice as a gift between lovers to celebrate special occasions like weddings, engagements, romantic anniversaries and birthdays.
- Throughout history, black pearls have been viewed as protective amulets, a stone that wards of evil. It’s believed to protect the wearer and get rid of negative energies.
How Black Pearls Really Originate
While almost every gemstone has its own origin story, the true reason that black pearls get their colors is because of the type of oyster they come from.
The Pinctada margaritifera, also known as the black lip oyster, has a black strip of nacre inside the shell. If the pearl forms close to that black section, it will turn black as it absorbs the color.
This is why black pearls come in a variety of shades – darker pearls form nearer to the black nacre, while lighter black pearls form further away, in a lighter part of the oyster.
A black pearl is rarely completely black – it’ll have stunning colorful overtones and a variety of shades, from light gray to black.
Should I Choose a Black Pearl?
If you’re superstitious or you like your jewelry to hold meaning and have symbolism, then the black pearl offers you a lot. However, while most of the meaning is positive, there are also negative connotations.
Which of the meanings listed above matters more to you? You can choose the symbolism that you believe holds more weight. In general, most believe that the black pearl’s positive meanings outweigh the negatives.
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