Pearls of Wisdom: Pearl Jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, Shamballa and more

Spewed from the mouth of a black-lipped oyster, Tahitian pearls are naturally dark, larger-than-average members of the pearl family. Available in several incarnations and quite rarely purely black, Tahitian pearls add a sultry dimension to the seemingly conservative reputation commonly enjoyed by pearls. And the special feeling evoked by these marvels of nature act as inspiration for fine jewelry houses and retailers like Chopard, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, Shamballa and Jackie Abraham to deliver pieces using truly unique settings to inject a little mystery and excitement.

Van Cleef & Arpels
Cyllene necklace from the atlantide collection featuring cultured Tahitian pearls and diamonds set in 18k white gold, price upon request; available at Van Cleef & Arpels Boutiques

Jackie Abraham
Tahitian pearl and cognac diamond bracelet set in 18k blackened gold, $34,400; Jackie Abraham Jewelers, Kane Concourse, Florida

Chopard
Clockwise from top left: Tahitian pearl and diamond drop earrings; choker with swirls of cognac diamonds and dangling Tahitian pearl; Tahitian pearl drop earrings with graduating diamond-encrusted stars, all from the red carpet collection, price upon request available at Chopard boutiques

Harry Winston
Tahitian pearl and diamond cufflinks set in 18k white gold, price upon request; available at Harry Winston boutiques

Shamballa
White diamonds and Tahitian pearl earrings set in 18k rose gold, $10,960; available at Barneys department stores

Van Cleef & Arpels
Bora Bora ring featuring 1 Tahitian pearl, white cultured pearls, and diamonds set in 18k white gold, $49,000; available at Van Cleef & Arpels Boutiques