Tahitian Pearls

Also known as the “black South Sea pearls”, Tahitian pearls are recognized for their unique color and luster that can be captured by no other of its kind. The reason for this is due to the specific oyster that is used to produce these breathtaking Tahitian pearls.

The “Pinctada margaritifera”, is the special black lipped oyster that makes the Tahitian pearls. It grows to a remarkably large size, and can reach up to a foot in length, and on average can weigh 10 pounds. This specific mollusk can only be found in Polynesia (Tahiti), and its neighboring islands.

Surprisingly, Tahitian pearls are relatively new to the cultured pearl industry. The farming for these pearls only existed since the mid 20th century, and before that they were considered extremely rare. This was largely due to the fact that the special oyster became a hunting target at the end of the 19th century. Luckily, the hunting was stopped, and efforts to repopulate this species were successful.

Tahitian pearls range in sizes from 9 millimeters to 13 mm. And although they can come in lighter color shades such as cream and white, they are recognized for their darker hues. For instance, some of the dark shades that are available include green, grey, and purple, and the especially desired peacock green and black.