Description

Black Mother of Pearls

Black Mother of pearl color is a black/gray background with pearlescence over the entire surface and violet to green iridescence, especially around the lip of the shell. The best Black Mother of Pearl comes from Tahiti. The hardness is 2.5 Mohs and the best used are in inlay, cabbing, bead making, and carving. If an oyster that typically produces white pearls has an unusual black coloring in its nacre, it too can create a blackish pearl. This, however, is rare; it occurs in only one in 10,000 pearls.

The Pinctada margaritifera oysters are cultured in a hatchery before going into crystal clear tropical lagoons. Historically each shell would have undergone two or three seedings before being harvested, however a recent change in operating practices has meant most Luméa Black MOP shells have been through only one seeding process when they are harvested. These shells tend to be smaller and thinner, but still with the beautiful vibrant peacock coloring.

About 90% of Luméa Black MOP shells originate on the pearl farms in Tahiti. The small Cook Island lagoon of Manahiki offers only small quantities in comparison to the many atolls of Tahiti. The best shells are from the most remote Tahitian islands of Rikitea, where they have to make the long journey in small boats to the main island for grading and export.