Though the authentic black pearls are simply fascinating gemstones, many are not quite knowledgeable with the geographical source and origin of these alluring stones. According to experts and available documents, these precious gems are confined to the South Pacific Ocean, bordering South Sea Islands. A particular breed of oyster, termed “black lipped oyster”, nurtures the black pearls and Tahiti region is primarily the abode of such species. The Mexican coast is another predominant zone where such black pearls originate.
The pearls are noteworthy for their variety of coloration, especially the dark shades ranging from black to greenish black. The popularity of these stones, as a royal gemstone, emerged when the fashionable Empress Eugenie of France in the 19th century, at the height of her power, flaunted a magnificent necklace comprising of these pearls. It caught the attention of the people as well as history!
There are many myths surrounding the black pearls that attribute countless powers to this gemstone, prominent ones varying from being a healer, a cupid and even a gift of God. An interesting case being these rare black Tahitian pearls are considered by many to be a symbol of hope for the wounded hearts! In ancient times, the Tahitian black pearl adorned the royalty, their ministers, the socially powerful, high priests and politicians of both genders. Even today, this trend continues, additionally being emphasized by the high demand for Tahitian black pearl jewelry amongst women.
The story of black pearls is incomplete without referring to a Tahitian legend. According to folklore, Oro, the God of the Heavens, became smitten with Uaro, the stunningly beautiful spirit of the sandy beaches. He presented her a giant black pearl that reflected the vivid hues of rainbow. This, in turn, was gifted to their daughter, Teufi. She was equally gorgeous as her mother and, on reaching marriageable age, was pursued by many suitors. However, Teufi proposed to choose a man who could gift her any black pearl as magnificent and matching as her mother’s present.
The task was extremely difficult and many suitors hesitated at the possibility. However, an island based twin-brothers were successful, who, after a very hazardous journey in their search for the black pearl in South Sea Islands, discovered the gemstone that matched the luminosity and allure of the original gift. Upon achieving the goal, and as per the peculiar condition, one of the twins married Teufi. Unfortunately, the joy of their conjugal union was short-lived as the groom died soon following their marriage. After a prolonged period of mourning and adhering to the prevailing tradition, the surviving brother became honor-bound to marry Tuefi. Though the subsequent wedding was celebrated with great pomp and splendor, the festivities never paralleled the grandeur of the original black pearl.
Similar folklore emerged from Mexico, another geographical source of the black pearl, as well. One of the most famous stories focuses on a sixteen-year old lad named Ram?n Salazar, who lived in Baja California, Mexico, with his family. His father, Blas Salazar, was a prominent pearl dealer and a famous figure of that region. The senior Salazar decided one day to bring his son into confidence by make him a business partner. That day was the happiest moment for Ramon Salazar. However, this event created immense jealousy in “Sevillano”, his father’s best diver. Sevillano always taunted Ramon for his inability to swim and demanded from him a large pearl that would earn him respect as a diver.
Unable to withstand the humiliation and to achieve this feat, Ramon learnt diving from an Indian friend named Soto Luzon. He took lessons in a lagoon where the notorious water-beast, Manta Diablo, lived. After numerous diving practices, Ramon successfully acquired one of the largest pearls from the lagoon. However, Soto Luzon warned Ramon that it belonged to Manta Diablo and should be returned to him. In the meantime, the discovery of the black pearl brought immense excitement and hopes of attaining monetary affluence in Ramon’s family.
After countless effort, Ramon’s father finally realized that the pearl could not be sold and decided to gift the gemstone to the church. Soon thereafter, Blas Salazar lost his entire fleet and life in a storm. Witnessing such a tragedy involving his father, Ramon decided to return the pearl to the beast, Manta Diablo. This decision did not find favor with Sevillano, who was determined to snatch the pearl. Though he successfully harpooned Manta Diablo in a subsequent battle, Sevillano was killed in the action as well. Finally, Ramon traveled back to La Paz and returned the pearl to the church.
Like wise, there are many dreamy stories centering on the black pearls that have been passed down the generations. The Asian countries like China and Japan have many legends on natural black pearls that are considered symbols of wisdom and source of mental strength. Historical records from Europe reveal that Mexican tribes, living in primitive huts along the sea-shore, possessed huge quantities of black pearls. On the other hand, the current records state that the finest collection of black pearls throughout Europe belongs to the Duchess Anhalt Dessau of Germany. Three large caskets of black pearls, that have taken a century to collect, remain in her custody. A stipulation is in force that restricts the heritage treasure of the dynasty to be sold unless the family is in dire financial constraints, an unlikely prospect.
The numerous legends and myths on black pearls are quite interesting and informative and will continue to intrigue many, since this particular gemstone has a mystical aura surrounding it that stimulates and entices individuals, especially women.
