Chocolate Pearl Ring
From LoveToKnow Jewelry
An exquisite new addition to the family of elegant pearl jewelry, a chocolate pearl ring feels fabulous to wear and is delightful to look at.
2000 A.D. - The Beginning of the Chocolate Pearl
As the world ushered in the new millennium, the Ballerina Pearl Company was perfecting the process that would turn black Tahitian pearls into luscious looking brown colored pearls, aptly named chocolate pearls. Later that year the chocolate colored pearls made their debut in jewelry stores worldwide.
The pearls set in spectacular ring settings, such as this gorgeous 11mm chocolate Tahitian pearl set in beautiful 14K rose gold and surrounded by 158 diamonds, were a success as customers marveled at the breathtaking luster of the gems. Equally successful as the pearl rings were eye-catching chocolate Tahitian pearl necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
Chocolate Pearls: Bleached, Dyed or Natural?
As news of the lustrous rich chocolate pearls of the Ballerina Pearl Company spread, questions arose as to whether or not they were natural cultured pearls or Tahitian black pearls colored by irradiation treatments or dyes. The two main producers of the chocolate pearls, Shanghai Gems SA of Geneva and the Ballerina Pearl Company of New York, both maintained that the beautiful vibrant chocolate colors were not the product of irradiation or dyes.
Studies carried out by the Geological Institute of America show that the shimmering chocolaty colored pearls are not a product of added dyes or irradiation treatments. A proprietary two-step bleaching and heating process produce chocolate pearls from black Tahitian pearls taken from Black-Lipped oysters. This type of oyster is the only type that produces black pearls naturally.
Natural Brown Colored Pearls
Although natural brown colored pearls are occasionally found in cultured oysters, they are extremely rare. Unlike the lustrous shades of chocolate colored pearls, natural brown pearls are a warm black-brown color and sometimes have a very slight coppery colored overtone. Generally, they appear dull and lack luster.
Tahitian Chocolate Pearls
All Tahitian chocolate pearls start out as natural black Tahitian pearls. Once they undergo the bleaching process the result is pearls in stunning shades of chocolate brown with intense luster and undertones. Colors range from strikingly beautiful shades of rust brown, copper and bronze with undertones that are strong and iridescent.
Dyed Chocolate Colored Pearls
Many companies that manufacture chocolate pearls use a silver nitrate dying process to produce the brown color. These pearls are considered treated and are generally priced much lower than Tahitian chocolate pearls.
Chocolate Pearl Ring Settings
Whether you prefer a classic solitaire style pearl ring, one with several pearls or a pearl cluster, the variety of rings set with chocolate pearls is sure to include your favorite. Prices start at approximately $40 for a chocolate colored freshwater pearl depending on your choice of metal, setting and complementary or accent stones. At the other end of the pricing spectrum are Tahitian chocolate pearls set in platinum or gold with diamond accents. Rings made with Tahitian chocolate pearls range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
The beautiful colors of chocolate pearls look exquisite in ring settings of various colors and different precious metals including:
- Rose gold
- Yellow gold
- White gold
- Platinum
- Sterling silver
Most pearls are attached to a ring setting by drilling the pearl halfway through and inserting the setting bar into the hole. Glue is then applied to hold the pearl securely in place.
Where to Find Rings with Chocolate Pearls Online
There are many fine jewelry shops both on and off line that carry chocolate pearl jewelry items. The following is a sampling of websites that offer a beautiful selection of rings with striking chocolate colored pearls.
Once you add a chocolate pearl ring to your jewelry collection, it is sure to become one of your favorite jewelry accessories.
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© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
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