Saltwater Pearls from the Pre- to Early Columbian Era: A Gemological and Radiocarbon Dating Study

Natural pearls were recovered and treasured by the indigenous peoples of the Americas long before Columbus's voyages reached the New World. The once-abundant oyster beds of the Caribbean islands off the coast of Venezuela were heavily exploited during Spanish colonization, as pearls were harvested and shipped back to the Old World. A total of 85 saltwater natural pearls reportedly from the pre-to early Columbian era (late fifteenth to early seventeenth century) and found in Central and South America were examined for this study. Gemological and advanced analyses confirmed they were natural saltwater specimens, most likely originating from a Pinctada species. In addition, C-14 isotope radiocarbon dating of material from the samples supported the claimed age of these pearls.