Pearl · Origin
Basra (Persian Gulf) Pearl
Basra pearls — natural pearls historically traded through the port of Basra from Persian Gulf oyster beds — are the most storied natural pearls in history and the traditional benchmark for fine Moti.
Natural Gulf pearl beds were fished for millennia until the market largely collapsed in the early 20th century with the advent of Japanese cultured pearls; surviving natural Basra pearls are almost entirely antique or estate stones today, and are correspondingly rare and valuable. Any "Basra pearl" offered for sale should carry independent natural-origin certification given how frequently the name is used loosely in the trade.
See how origin fits into overall value in our Pearl buying guide and Pearl price guide, or verify a specific certificate on our Pearl certification page.
Looking for Basra (Persian Gulf) Pearl Specifically?
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