Round/Near Round Tahitian Black Pearls in all Sizes and Qualities!

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Pearl - Tahitian

  

Tahitian pearls, often called “Black Pearls” are found in the turquoise-colored lagoons of French Polynesia in the South Seas. The Pinctada margaritifera mollusk produces these fine black pearls. Their opalescent black hue, shimmering with peacock green, gray and purple overtones, makes a sensual, smoldering statement in jewelry designs for both men and women. Natural coloration yields shades of grey to black. Consistency of color tone is highly desireable with peacock tones demanding the highest prices. The Pinctada margaritifera or “black lipped” oyster is a giant tropical mollusk that can live for 30 years in the wild, can weigh up to 100 pounds and can grow to reach a 12 inches in diameter. In the 19th century, free-diving Polynesians braved sharks, depths of up to 130 feet, and the physiological challenges of deep water diving to harvest the valuable mollusk. Although only one in 15,000 oysters produced a natural pearl, the inner shell was so popular with the European button industry that the resource was eventually devastated. Today, a complex cultivation process has resurrected the pearl industry in French Polynesia where the government has strict regulations to assure pearl quality. Pearls are now farmed throughout French Polynesia, Northern Australia, and the Marshall, Cook, and Solomon Islands. Tahitian Pearls are usually found in sizes ranging from eight to thirteen millimeters; sizes up to 20 millimeters are sometimes discovered, but are quite rare. Tahitian Pearls, like their South Sea cousins, come in a variety of shapes. As with South Sea Pearls, nacre quality is the defining measure of quality and value. Single Pearls set in cufflinks, on a cord, or as a tie stud make a great gift for men who seek a sophisticated look with natural appeal. For women of all ages, few gems offer greater drama than strands of Tahitian Cultured Pearls, dynamic for daytime or evening wear. Used individually or in combination with white or golden Pearls, black Tahitian cultured pearls create superbly fashionable jewelry that, with proper care, will last for generations.

Quality Information & Color Information

Quality	Description
Dark/Medium Grey A	Medium dark to dark grey; very good luster; slight blemishes distributed over less than 10% of the surface
Fancy A	Overtones of pink, blue, gold, green, silver and reddish purple; very good luster; slight blemishes distributed over less than 10% of the surface

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.

Major Sources

French Polynesia

Properties & Reactions

Enhancement Code: N

Hardness: 2.5-4

Color: Black

Species: Pearl

RI: 1.53-1.685

Specific Gravity: 2.72-2.78

Optic Character: AGG

Phenomena: Orient

Ultrasonic: Never use

Steamer: Never use

Heat: Poor - high heat may cause burning

Chemicals: All acids