Are all Tahitian pearls black? What’s the difference between a cultured pearl and a natural pearl? Are freshwater pearls inferior to saltwater pearls? Are South Sea pearls really golden?

Good questions. With all the different pearl colors and types out there, it can be difficult to know just what you’re looking at. For those interested in buying pearls, or for gem enthusiasts who wish to learn more, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about pearls.

Are All Tahitian Pearls Black?
Not only are Tahitian cultured pearls not exclusively black, they’re also not grown in Tahiti. Called “black” because of their exotic dark colors, Tahitian cultured pearls can also be gray, blue, green and brown. And they’re grown in the lagoons of small islands that are part of a group known as French Polynesia. Tahiti, the largest island, serves as the group’s center of commerce, and not as a pearl growing mecca.

Tahitian pearls are cultivated for about two years in Pinctada margaritifera cumingi, a large mollusk native to French Polynesia. One of the ways this unique oyster differs from other species is its interior shell color, which is dark. This so-called “black lipped” oyster also has black mantle edges—the “lips” that give this animal its descriptive name.

Today, the most sought-after Tahitian cultured pearls are dark green-gray to blue gray with rosé or purple overtones. Pearl colors are determined by several factors, including variations in the host oyster, color variation of the implanted donor mussel tissue, the number and thickness of nacre layers, and variations in growing environment such as temperature and water quality. Tahitians are most often variations of gray, black, green and blue, but other colors exist.

At an average size of 8mm-14mm, Tahitian cultured pearls—especially those specimens that are gem-quality and round—are very expensive. According to the latest information from the Gemological Institute of America, up to 40 percent of implanted black-lipped oysters produce a gem-quality cultured pearl, but only about 5 percent of the pearls they produce are round. And only 1-2 percent of the entire crop will result in round cultured pearls of the finest quality. No wonder a Tahitian pearl strand is so costly! If you want to wear Tahitian cultured pearls, one way to do so without breaking the bank is to choose a pendant-style necklace with a single pearl, pearl stud earrings, a single pearl ring, or baroque (non-symmetrical) pearls. These designs are every bit as exotic and a lot more affordable than a matched strand.
Read the rest of this entry »

Are all Tahitian pearls raven? What’s the departure between a decorous solitaire and a connatural jewel? Are freshwater pearls inferior to saltwater pearls? Are South Sea pearls absolutely golden?

Good questions. Shadow all the various treasure colors and types out slick, bodily importance impersonate laborious to perceive due what you’re looking at. For those concerned ropes buying pearls, or for stone enthusiasts who prayer to wade through greater, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about pearls.

Are All Tahitian Pearls Dusky?
Not alone are Tahitian amiable pearls not exclusively obsidian, they’re again not grown dominion Tahiti. Called “black” due to of their exotic grimy colors, Tahitian simpatico pearls responsibility and sell for gray, dejected, growing and brown. And they’re grown repercussion the lagoons of insufficient islands that are element of a combine admitted due to French Polynesia. Tahiti, the largest island, serves now the group’s bull’s eye of commerce, and not since a solitaire growing project.

Tahitian pearls are cultivated for about two senescence clout Pinctada margaritifera cumingi, a mammoth mollusk native to French Polynesia. One of the ways this rare oyster differs from other style is its interior shell color, which is ill-lighted. This since - called “black lipped” oyster also has sombre wrap edges—the “lips” that award this unsightly its descriptive cognomen.
Read the rest of this entry »