Tahitian pearls, often referred to as the pearls of queens and the queens of pearls, are organic gemstones that are highly prized for their unique, fascinating beauty. They will enchant you with their wide range of colors, thick layer of nacre, and the alluring aura that they radiate. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these exotic beauties from French Polynesia.
How and where are Tahitian pearls created
Tahitian pearls are marine pearls that are cultivated inside a mollusk called Pinctada Margaritifera, also known as the black-lip pearl oyster. The entire cultivation process for Tahitian pearls takes approximately two to three years before the pearls reach the desired size and quality.
Tahitian pearls originate in French Polynesia which is in the heart of the South Pacific and the unique beauty of the pearls is a testament to how clean the local lagoons are. In addition to French Polynesia, these pearls are also cultivated in Micronesia, the Cook Islands, and to a lesser extent in Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines. Nonetheless many experts believe that only pearls that actually originate in French Polynesia deserve to be called Tahitian.
The history of Tahitian pearl cultivation
Over time, Tahitian pearls have become some of the rarest and most sought-after pearls in the world. It’s therefore no surprise that people began to look for ways to bring their beauty to the world through targeted cultivation. In the 1960s in particular, there were a lot of experiments with implanting nuclei seeds into pearl oyster shells.
The first harvest from the lagoons of Bora Bora yielded pearls up to 14 mm in size which attracted enormous interest.
The next milestone followed in 1968 when the first farm specializing in Tahitian pearls, the Société Perlière de Manihi, was established on the Manihi reef. This marked the beginning of a boom in pearl farms across French Polynesia.
Significant recognition also came from the professional world when in 1976, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) confirmed that the colors of Tahitian cultured pearls were natural. This defined the standards for industrial production and the popularity of Tahitian pearls began to rise.
Grading Tahitian pearls
The grading process for Tahitian pearls is a complex one as their beauty is based on a number of factors but first and foremost, it always starts with healthy pearl oysters living in ideal conditions. It is hardly surprising then that Tahitian pearls are some of the most valuable cultured pearls in the world, second only to South Sea pearls. Their price is determined by a number of key factors.
The surface
The smoother the surface of a pearl and the fewer bumps that are on it, the higher its value. However, a completely flawless pearl is very rare because pearls are created in natural conditions where minor irregularities are completely normal and also a feature of their natural origins. Flaws that are more significant may reduce the price of the pearl but in some Tahitian pearls, they can in fact add character to the jewelry. When the pearls retain their beautiful luster and color, their typical grooved or “baroque” appearance is considered attractive and valuable.
The color
Color is one of the most important factors when grading pearls. However, the term "black pearl" can be misleading since Tahitian pearls are never truly black. Their color ranges from gray and an anthracite shade of gray through to shades of green and brownish-black with beautiful silvery reflections. Each pearl is a unique original. There are also pearls known as "peacock pearls" which deserve special attention. Their color resembles those of peacock feathers due to the play of blues and greens. But in addition to color, the luster also plays an important role–if the nacre layer is sufficiently thick and clean, the pearl shines intensely with a shiny metallic sheen.
The shape
The variety of shapes in Tahitian pearls is enormous. On top of the classic round and oval shapes, there are also teardrop, pear, and button shaped pearls. An interesting and sought-after variety are circled pearls which have one or more finely grooved circles around the entire circumference of the pearl. Pearls in completely irregular shapes are called baroque pearls and their irregular and original look attracts lovers of truly unconventional jewelry.
The size
Tahitian pearls range in size from 8 to 18 mm though they can also occasionally be larger. Those are however always very rare pieces. On average, the pearls have a diameter of 8–12 mm and generally speaking, the larger the pearl, the more valuable it is.
The overall impression
Ultimately, however, it’s always the overall impression that counts the most. A smaller pearl with a particularly exceptional color or shape may be more valuable than a larger pearl that is average in some other respects. There are two main scales that are used for grading pearls. The first one grades pearls from A to D, with A being the highest rating. The second system uses the designations AAA to A, with AAA being the highest grade. It also often adds a + sign (such as AA+). There is also another classification of pearl which sits above both of these scales and that is the "perfect pearl” but only a fraction of all cultivated pearls ever reaches this status.
Tahitian pearls in jewelry
Tahitian pearls will win you over with their unique color and larger size that make them striking and impossible to ignore. They come in a wide variety of shapes which means that they are very versatile. Tahitian pearls can be used to create jewelry that is playful and elegant, extravagant as well as minimal. They stand out in simple designs but also in combination with diamonds which further enhance their luster. They look beautiful in a classic pearl necklace, but even a single pearl can attract attention, for instance in a pendant or a pair of earrings.
White gold suits Tahitian pearls particularly well as it accentuates their metallic luster. This luster is most often in shades of silver, green, blue, or purple but reflections of brown may also appear. These in turn harmonize well with yellow gold. The choice of gold color is therefore always a matter of taste and personal preference.
You should also know that pearls can sometimes be dyed after harvesting but in such cases, the seller should always state this fact on the jewelry. There are black pearls on the market but these are not actually Tahitian pearls and they have been artificially colored. Only Tahitian pearls can pride themselves with their natural dark color.
How to take care of Tahitian pearls
How should you look after Tahitian pearls so that they stay beautiful for many years? Caring for them is essentially no different to caring for other pearls. There is one simple rule: put them on last and take them off first. Although pearls are relatively durable, it is always better to store them in a separate box so that they don’t come into contact with sharp objects or other jewelry.
From time to time, it’s good to gently wipe them with a soft, damp cloth. Occasionally, you can also treat them to a drop of evening primrose oil which will restore their natural luster. You should also regularly check the point where the pearl is fastened to the jewelry or the quality of the knots in strands to ensure that they stay in excellent condition for generations to come.
TIP: Learn more about taking care of jewelry in our blog article.
The symbolism and legends attached to pearls
There are many legends associated with the origins of black pearls that make them even more alluring. According to old stories from Sri Lanka, Adam and Eve cried for a long time after they were expelled from paradise. Eve shed white pearls while Adam cried black ones. Because they cried for so long, they filled an entire lake but Eve cried a little more than Adam, which is why the lake was predominantly filled with white pearls and the black ones are rarer.
In Polynesian legends Oro, the god of war, peace, and fertility fell in love with a princess from the island of Bora Bora and as proof of his love, gave her the most precious of treasures–the black pearl Poe Rava. He also gave the people te ufi pearl oysters which still lie at the bottom of French Polynesian lagoons according to legend.
Another legend tells of the full moon which rose from the ocean in order to attract oysters to the surface with its glow. It then gave each one a drop of heavenly dew. Over time, these drops turned into black pearls with pink, green, and blue reflections reminiscent of a colorful night sky.
China also has its own stories about pearls. According to local beliefs, pearls form in the heads of dragons who carry them between their teeth until they die. And because dragons symbolize wisdom and strength, black pearls have also become symbols of eternal wisdom.
Some records and interesting facts
Tahitian pearls have always been a symbol of luxury. Elizabeth Taylor wore them as did the former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and they also enchanted Nancy Reagan, the wife of former US President Ronald Reagan. The Roman general Julius Caesar was a connoisseur of pearls and even banned unmarried women from wearing them, thereby indirectly increasing the number of marriages. People who would jeopardize their financial security by buying them were also banned from owning them. Caesar is also associated with one of the most famous black pearls in history which he gave to his beloved Servilia. According to legend, he paid six million sesterces for it, which would be approximately $1.5 billion today (based on a conversion from 2019).
Black pearls also appear in modern culture. In the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise for instance, a ship called The Black Pearl has a starring role. Its name may refer to the rare Tahitian pearls that adventurers and traders the world over have coveted for centuries and that many of them never managed to obtain.
What is a Tahitian pearl?
A Tahitian pearl is a rare marine pearl formed inside the Pinctada margaritifera oyster in the waters of French Polynesia. Often referred to as a black pearl, it is prized for its size, naturally dark color, and thick layer of nacre.
What colors do Tahitian pearls come in?
Although they are called black pearls, Tahitian pearls are never completely black. Their colors range from shades of gray, anthracite, green, blue, peacock, and brownish-black with a metallic sheen. Each Tahitian pearl is a unique original.
How can you tell if a Tahitian pearl is genuine?
Being able to recognize a genuine pearl is a matter for experienced experts which is why it’s important to buy pearls only from verified suppliers or jewelers.
How should you take care of Tahitian pearls?
Pearls should be put on last and taken off first. Store them separately from other jewelry, wipe them with a soft damp cloth after you wear them and rub them with a drop of oil from time to time to help maintain their luster. For pearl strands, especially those with larger pearls, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the thread and to check if it has started to sag or whether there are any gaps forming between the pearls. If so, the necklace should be given to experts so that it can be restrung.
