Pearls

Tahitian Pearls

These pearls are traditionally called "black," but their natural color ranges from a metallic silver, to the color of graphite. And within this gray range  Facy Tahitian pearls can have bluish, purplish, or greenish overtones. Every pearl is slightly different.

Tahitian Pearls are usually found in sizes ranging from eight to thirteen millimeters; larger sizes are quite rare. Tahitian Pearls, like their South Sea cousins, come in a variety of shapes from near round to oval, button and tear drop shape. Natural coloration yields shades of grey to black. Consistency of color tone is highly desire-able. Fancy peacock tones demanding the highest prices.

Tahitian Pearl Grades:

As with South Sea Pearls, nacre quality is the defining measure of quality and value.

Care

Pearls are not for everyday wear, and one should take care when wearing. Avoid exposure to heat and protect from scratches and harsh blows. Avoid contact with chemicals, especially perfumes, perspiration and hair sprays. To clean, wipe gently with a moist cloth. Never put them in ultrasonic nor clean them with steam. With a moh's hardness of 2.5 - 4 they are very soft and can easily get scrated or dimpled. They do have a good toughness as they rarely break.

Major Sources

Tahitian pearls are found in the turquoise-colored lagoons of French Polynesia in the South Seas. The Pinctada margaritifera mollusk produces these fine black pearls.

Enhancements / Treatments:

None