Peacock
A dark pearl showing green, blue and rose flashes over a near-black body. The most prized colour effect in dark pearls.
Peacock describes an overtone combination rather than a body colour. The body is grey to black; the flash is what earns the name.
In Tahitian pearls the effect occurs naturally and commands a substantial premium. In freshwater pearls it is usually achieved by dye.
The flash should move as the pearl turns. Colour that sits still on the surface indicates a coating rather than an overtone.
When you are buying
Ask directly whether a peacock pearl is Tahitian or a treated freshwater pearl. Both are legitimate, and the honest answer separates a five-figure piece from a very affordable one.
Peacock and black pearls
36 pieces in the collection right now, from ₹400.
Pearl finger ring in black pearl for women
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Classic Black Pearl Bangles
Subtle Multishaded Oval Pearls 17 Inch Necklace With Swan 925 Silver Pendant
Overtone
A translucent secondary colour lying over a pearl's main body colour, most often rose, silver or green.
Tahitian Pearl
A naturally dark saltwater pearl from the black-lipped oyster of French Polynesia. Grey to near-black, with green, aubergine or peacock overtones.
Dyed Pearl
A real pearl whose colour has been added after harvest. Standard practice, and entirely fine when it is disclosed.
Body Colour
A pearl's dominant underlying colour, before any overtone is considered.