Information on Tahitian Pearls

Origin of Tahitian pearls:

Tahitian pearls are cultured in the Pinctada margaritifera, which has a shell with an outer rim that is dark grey or black and is referred to as a “black-lipped oyster.” Tahitian pearls are cultured in the waters of French Polynesia. There are five archipelagos where Tahitian pearls can be found. An archipelago is a group of islands, many of these islands are referred to as atolls. An atoll forms from a volcano and the resulting creation of a coral reef surrounding the volcano. Colorful greens and lagoons often accompany the creation of an atoll creating a beautiful natural environment.

Sizes of Tahitian pearls:

They vary in size from 8mm-18mm, with best-sellers being between 8mm-11mm and between 13mm-17mm. A pearl known as the “Robert Wan Pearl,” at 20.92mm/62.5 carats, is the largest round Tahitian cultured pearl. It is housed in the Perles de Tahiti Museum. The normal growth period for Tahitian pearls is around two years. Some of the smaller Tahitians in the 10mm range may grow for just one year.

Nacre thickness is important because Tahitian pearls with a thin nacre layer will not be very durable. Pearls with a nacre thickness of less than 0.8mm are not allowed to be officially exported from Tahiti. In fact, the pearl inspection office x-rays thousands of pearls each day to make sure the nacre is over 0.8mm.

Shapes of Tahitian pearls:

The shapes of Tahitian pearls are classified in the official Tahitian system as round, semi-round (diameters differ by 2-5%), semi baroque (drop, button, pear shape, oval), baroque (unbalanced shapes), circles (more than 1/3 of the surface has distinctive circles). Often the oyster is x-rayed to make sure it is producing a round Tahitian pearl. If the pearl is not round, it is removed and replaced with nuclei to re-start the culturing process.

Colors of Tahitian pearls:

While Tahitian pearls are known for their natural black color, they also come in many shades including those ranging from white, cream and light silver to green, peacock and dark graphite. These colors can be highlighted with undertones of many other colors- often times giving Tahitian pearls a stunning iridescence.

Museum Way Pearls carries a wide variety of Tahitian pearl necklaces and earrings. If you like a particular shape, size or color of Tahitian pearls and do not see it on our website, contact Museum Way Pearls and we can discuss customizing a beautiful piece of Tahitian pearl jewelry just for you.

Click here to view our full collection of Tahitian pearl jewelry