The best known and rarest of all South Sea cultured pearls in the dark group is the «black» pearl. Since its host oyster, the Pinctada margaritifera, has its habitat in the Polynesian sea around Tahiti, the black pearl is often referred to as a Tahitian pearl. Dark South Sea cultured pearls are characterized by an exceptionally rich spectrum of colors. It extends from jet black, charcoal, and peacock black as well as pink, green, blue, gray, and gold-brown hues to a light silvery gray.

Photo: Necklace with magnificent black South Sea cultured pearls.