2. TAHITIAN

    Tahitian pearls are highly esteemed for their rarity and beauty. Being a marine gem, Tahitian pearls are exclusively cultured at select international locations, where they are meticulously cultivated by industry experts. As a result, they are greatly sought after and hold significant value, turning any Tahitian pearl jewelry into a genuine investment.

    Origin of Tahitian Pearls

    Tahiti is the main central island of French Polynesia, although Tahiti itself does not actually produce pearls. Tahitian pearls are cultivated in French Polynesia, a group of 5 archipelagos with an area equivalent to Europe! However, the land area is only about 1500 square miles. The responsibility for producing the majority of Tahitian pearls lies with the Tuamotu Archipelago and the Gambier Archipelago. In addition to the warm waters of French Polynesia, Tahitian pearls are also cultured in the regions of East Asia, Panama, and Mexico.

     

    Tahitian pearls are saltwater pearls formed within black-lipped oysters. Nearly all Tahitian pearls on the market are "cultured pearls," meaning they are created with human intervention. In contrast, naturally occurring Tahitian pearls are incredibly rare and are found as collectible items in private and royal collections.

    The process of cultivating Tahitian pearls involves inserting a pearl nucleus as a "stimulant" into the black-lipped oyster. This stimulant prompts the oyster to generate epithelial cells, forming a spherical pearl sac around the stimulant through the deposition of concentric layers of nacre. If the oyster doesn't react in this manner, it will die, making the pearl a natural byproduct in the oyster's defensive strategy.

    Over time, as the layers of nacre accumulate and develop, the oyster will create a spherical pearl. Generally larger than freshwater pearls, Tahitian pearls can grow with a diameter ranging from 8mm to 18mm.

    Color of Tahitian Pearls

    Tahitian pearls are not truly "black" in color Tahitian pearls have a natural darker hue compared to other pearl types because they are formed within black-lipped oysters. In comparison, South Sea pearls are produced by oysters with silver or golden lips. Tahitian pearls can come in various shades, including gray, black, peacock green, and even shades of purple. They may exhibit colors like blue, purple, green, brown, and silver - but they never truly come in black. Less common are brighter shades like white, yellow, or pink (all with a gray undertone) that can also be cultured.

     

    Shapes of Tahitian Pearls There are four different shapes:

    • Round
    • Near-round
    • Baroque
    • Circled (a type of baroque pearl).

     

     

     

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