Pearls are a wonder of nature, an organic gemstone painstakingly crafted by a shellfish over many years, with a special allure due to its characteristically delicate appearance.
ingenious Invention by Kokichi Mikimoto, who invented methods for growing fine jewelry, which changed the world of pearls in a drastic way. Today, pearls are not considered as rare as they used to be. However, the price of natural pearls has skyrocketed compared to cultured pearls.
However, there is a pearl that is called priceless - it is Basra pearls. These pearls appear in written history as early as 300 BC.
What are Basra pearls?
Originating from the Persian/Arabian Gulf, pearls have a legendary reputation in the gemstone world. City Al Basra or Basra in present-day Iraq was in years past a bustling center for the pearl trade.
These pearls were collected in the Persian Gulf off the coast of countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, etc.
An interesting story about this type of pearl dates back to 1865-1870, when Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad of Baroda ordered fabric to be embroidered with Basra pearls, colored glass beads, diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds.
Called the pearl canopy of Baroda, it consists of approximately 950 Basra pearls.
How are Basra pearls different from other natural counterparts?
In terms of physical characteristics, Basra pearls are much lighter than other natural varieties. They also boast a unique light scattering effect that most other pearls do not have. Most Basra pearls are oddly shaped, so round pearls are incredibly valuable.
What makes Basra pearls special?
To begin with, the production of Basra pearls is limited to only one specific type of oyster found in the Persian region, making it very rare. And since oil production has become a mainstay in the Middle East, the oyster ecosystem has suffered greatly.
Pearls from this region are valued for their spherical shape, silvery white color and unsurpassed iridescence, which has not faded for hundreds of years.
Not only are Basra pearls beautiful and versatile, but they come in a wide variety of colors. They can usually be seen in a light yellow or cream color. However, pearls can also be pink or pale peach with a golden hue. pure white Basra ka Moti is extremely rare.
