How are Tahitian Pearls made?
When a tiny bead is placed in the black lip pearl oyster with surgical precision, it forms a pearl sac which then “coats” the nucleus with crystalline nacre layers to form the beautiful Tahitian Pearl as we know it. This process can take over a day, with the pearl farmer waiting patiently until the nacre is thick enough to be able to harvest its creation. Despite pearl farmers in French Polynesia experimenting with their black pearls in Tahiti as far back as 1961, it was not until 1972 that they started being exported across the world
The Colors of Tahitian Pearls
The natural color of Tahitian Pearls comes from that of the black lip oysters. Although black pearls are the most common, these gems also come in color ranges from graphite to metallic silver. They feature overtones that are greenish, bluish, or purplish.
Tahitian Pearls are the only pearls that come in a full array of colors. That’s because the rainbow-like mantle of the black lip oyster has the ability to produce a “rainbow” of natural colored pearls. Such beautiful, darker colors give these gems a magical look as their surfaces shimmer and shine in the glistening light.
The only pearls that naturally come in a full array of colors, Tahitian Pearls are perfect if you’re searching for a darker and mystical hue. Deriving from black lip oysters, choose from graphite and metallic silver, or even green, blue, and purple overtones.
Choosing the perfect Tahitian Pearl color for your style
The only loose pearls that naturally come in a full array of colors, Tahitian Pearls are perfect if you’re searching for a pearl necklace with a darker or more mystical hue. Deriving from black lip oysters, choose from natural colors such as graphite and metallic silver, or even green, blue and purple overtones.
The different types of Tahitian Pearl shapes
There are many different Tahitian Pearl sizes and shapes, including button, pear, and oval and baroque pearls, the latter of which looks particularly graceful when worn as a pearl necklace. Less than 10% of harvested pearls are round, making them some of the most sought-after gems in the world.
Tahitian Pearls Value
Because black-lip oysters can grow to be over a foot in diameter, they tend to produce pearls that are very large and, therefore, very valuable. These are very sensitive oysters, which makes their culturing process a hit and miss. As a result, Tahitian Pearls are rare and expensive to produce. Jewelry featuring these gemstones is generally high-end, making them perfect gifts for weddings, graduations, proms, special birthdays, anniversaries, and more.
Pearl farmers aim for creating perfectly round Tahitian Pearls. Yet, less than 10% of the harvested cultured pearls are round. Baroque cultured Tahitian Pearls are some of the most valuable, sought-after gems in the world. Their unique shapes and striking beauty make for incredible jewelry pieces.
Where do they originally come from?
Although produced in French Polynesian waters, Tahitian Pearls are not actually from Tahiti itself. The black lip oysters are usually nucleated with beads in the Gambier and the Tuamotu Archipelago Islands before mother nature takes over from there.
How to wear and style your Tahitian Pearls
The wide color spectrum of the Tahitian Pearl makes it seamless to match with other items in your wardrobe. Tahitian Pearl earrings add a flattering touch to an evening ensemble, while a Tahitian Pearl necklace can elevate a simple satin dress into a stunning outfit for a
formal occasion. Similarly, a Black Tahitian Pearl bracelet looks elegant when worn alone or stacked with other fine jewelry pieces.
Why choose them over other types of pearls?
Tahitian Pearls are rare and expensive to produce, making the jewelry that contains them popular for special occasions or as heirloom pieces. With black-lip oysters known for being able to reach over a foot in width, they are responsible for producing one of the largest pearls in the industry, which in turn can hold great value.
