Quality

Basra Pearls are as beautiful as the natural pearl from any other origin. This gemstone is famous due to its legendary origin, not for its exceptional beauty. So, like other natural pearls, Basra pearls are also analyzed by the Size, Shape, colour and Surface Texture.

• Size

The original Basra Pearls in big sizes are rare to find and are quite precious. The size of natural pearl largely depends on the diameter of pearl nucleus (irritant), thickness of nacre layer (the fluid secreted by the mollusk) and the duration for which the pearl remains inside the mollusk’s body. The nacre layer secreted by Pinctada radiata (mollusk that forms Basra pearl) is thin, the size doesn’t increase even after the formation of multiple layers.

• Shape

Rounder is the pearl, higher will be its market value. But Basra Pearls are mostly found in odd shapes like pear, drop, baroque etc. Therefore, round or nearly round Basra pearls are considered highly valuable.

• Colour

The original Basra Pearl appears creamish white in colour, sometimes with tints of yellow or pink. Pure white Basra Pearl is regarded as a highly sought-after variety. However, finding a natural Basra Pearl in pure white hue is nearly impossible. This is because they are extracted years ago and lose their pure hue with time. 

• Surface Texture

Basra Pearl with smooth, clean and blemish free surface, displays a slight rainbow-like sheen. The quality of outer layer lends luster and shiny to the pearl gemstone. The presence of pits, grooves, black spots and blemishes degrade the quality and market value of Basra Pearl.

Basra Pearl Origin

The city Basra or Al Basrah (now located in Iraq) was the major trading center for the natural pearl harvested across the Persian Gulf. The precious natural pearls originated from the cities lying in the Persian/Arabian Gulf region, have a strong reputation in the world of gems. Earlier, the coasts of Bahrain, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Oman etc. were the major sources of Basra Pearl gemstone. Many of the varieties are named after their soul origin such as –

• Bahrain Pearl

Since the last 2000 years, Bahrain Pearls have been prized as the finest quality pearls which the world has ever seen. They were formed by the mollusk called Pinctada radiata (Gulf Pearl Oyster) found in the coast near Bahrain region.

• Kuwait Pearls

Kuwait is another important Gulf country, renowned for its large size natural pearls named as Kuwait Pearls. One of its classic examples is ‘The Pearl of Kuwait’. It was found in the water of Persian Gulf and measures around 258.12 grains (which is equal to 64.5 carats). This pearl from Kuwait is the third largest well-formed natural pearl drop found in the world.

• Black Pearl Kuwait

This variety of pearl was produced naturally by rare mollusk species called Pinctada margaritifera (Black-lip Pearl Oyster). Black pearl from Kuwait is a highly valuable, black coloured natural pearl, which is primarily worn for jewellery purposes.

Basra Pearl Prices

In the gem market, original Basra Pearls price and value is generally determined by evaluating its Shape, Size, colour, Luster and Surface texture. Basra Pearl is a highly popular origin variety of the natural pearl gemstone. But the origin is not determined even in the certificates issued by internationally recognized gem laboratories like GIA and Javeri. So, it becomes difficult for traders to prove whether a natural pearl referred as Basra gem is specially from Basra. But beware, some fraudulent suppliers claim to provide Basra Pearls for sale online without any valid Bahrain certificate. 

• Shape

Baroque, drop shape and other asymmetrical Basra Pearl are common and, hence, comparatively less expensive. Basra ka Moti price increases steeply for stones in round or near round shape.

• Size

Finding a Basra pearl gemstone above 2 carats, is extremely difficult. Therefore, above certain carats, the price of Basra Pearl per carat increases drastically.

• Colour

Most of the Basra Moti appear creamish white or white with yellow or pink tints. A pure white Basra pearl is rarest of the rare and fetches a good premium.

• Surface Texture

Basra pearls value increases for gems with smooth, clean and consistent outer surfaces. Due to its natural origin, the presence of minor spots and blemishes are acceptable up to an extent. However, major flaws such as cracks, dark spots or deep pits hamper quality, therefore, cannot be ruled out while assessing the Basra Pearl cost.

• Luster

Basra Pearls that emit vibrant luminosity always demand a higher value. A dull and lusterless Basra ka Moti is comparatively less desirable and comparatively cheaper.