Basra pearls are one of the rarest and most sought-after types of natural pearls available today. These small, uniquely-shaped pearls with a bright white or golden lustre are coveted for their rarity, as well as their reputation for coming from an area with a long history of producing high-quality pearls.
Basra pearls are natural saltwater pearls from the Basra region in Iraq. Also called seed pearls, they’re typically less than 5 millimetres in diameter, making them some of the smallest natural pearls on earth.
Basra pearls have been around for centuries and have been highly sought after by royalty and high society throughout that time. As a result, there is much mystery about these rare gems that we would like to dispel here.
How are Basra Pearls Produced?
Basra pearls are made from the oyster shell of the mollusc known as “Pinctada fucata.” This mollusc lives in the Persian Gulf and its eggs are harvested by divers.
The pearls are obtained from the gulf pearl oyster and black clip pearl oyster. Both these oysters produce calcium carbonate discharge after they face an aggravation. The discharge contains tiny particles of shell material that are discharged during this process.
The oysters are then washed in water to remove any impurities or sand and clay that may be present in their shells. The process can take up to nine months, so you know these pearls are worth every penny. For Know more About Basra Pearl Please read this Article How to Identify Basra Pearl.
Spiritual Meaning of Basra Pearls
According to legend, Basra pearls have spiritual meaning because they represent wisdom and knowledge. If you own one or more of these jewels, you’ll likely have access to some pretty amazing wisdom.
Basra pearls have been used for centuries by Arab people as an amulet against evil spirits and other harmful forces. They also bring wealth and help with fertility issues in women. The stones can cure headaches and diseases like cancer and depression; they help with insomnia. Also, they protect against snake bites and can ward off fire.
To get these Basra pearl benefits in your life, you need to choose a natural untreated stone from a place like GemPundit. The stones here are sold with a free lab certificate of authenticity issued by a recognized gem lab for your peace of mind.
History of Basra Pearls
Cultivating pearls in the waters around Basra, Iraq has been a tradition for centuries. This city has been a hub for pearl production for thousands of years, with the industry existing since at least 300 BC.
In Indian history, the original Basra pearl has always been a mark of royalty. The Nizams of Hyderabad particularly favoured this gemstone. During their era. The pearl trade between Hyderabad and Basra reached its pinnacle. The finest creation of that era is Satlada, a necklace with 465 pearls studded alongside emeralds, diamonds, and rubies.
Another notable art piece featuring Basra pearl is the Baroda Pearl Canopy. It is a carpet commissioned by Maharaja Khanke Rao Gaekwad of Baroda. The carpet measuring 5.8×8.8 feet had around 950,000 Basra pearls.
Unique Physical Attributes
Basra pearls have several characteristics that set them apart from other types of pearls available in the market today. They are known for their excellent lustre and iridescence, which makes them stand out among all other types of pearls available today.
The pearls also have a unique shape that is unlike any other type of pearl available today. They have an eccentric spherical instead of being flat like other types of pearls; this makes them very eye-catching and gives them their distinct look.
The natural Basra pearl will be lighter in weight than other natural pearl varieties, and it also comes with a unique light scattering due to its watery surface and chalky core. The stones are usually cut as cabochons with a polished exterior.
The Origin of Basra Pearl
The original Basra pearl trade started in Al Basrah or Basra, a city in Iraq. Other notable sources of this pearl during ancient times were the coats of Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.
Bahrain pearls are known for their high quality for more than 2000 years, while Kuwait pearls have a unique larger size. The Pearl of Kuwait which measures around 64.5 carats is a perfect example.
Who Can Wear Basra Pearls?
Basra Pearls are perfect for anyone who wants to wear them every day, but they’re especially popular among the zodiac signs of Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces, and Aries. They look great on all because of their versatility and ability to fit in with most outfits.
How to Buy a Natural Basra Pearl
Like any other gemstone, you need to consider the quality factors like cut, carat, colour, and clarity when Buy Basra Pearl Online. The stones are generally opaque with high lustre and creamy white colour with pink or yellow tints.
Look at its clarity and ensure that there are no cuts, pits, or blemishes on the stone. Basra pearl price may be high for a high-quality stone but the beauty of this gem is definitely worth it.