Introduction to Tahitian Pearls

Tahitian pearls are the most elegant of the black pearls available on the market. Found in the lagoons of Tahiti, they are less common than the Akoya black pearls raised in Japan and accordingly more valuable.

Like all pearls, Tahitian pearls have an iridescent surface formed as the lining of a shell wraps a protective coating around an irritant. Unlike most pearls, the Tahitian pearl's coating is a rich, deep color, ranging from silver to black to peacock blue.

About Tahitian pearl necklaces
Black pearl necklaces are highly valued. When properly cared for, they are a lifetime treasure that can be shared with the next generation. Look for a necklace that is hand-knotted onto silk thread and choose a necklace with an elegant clasp that will add beauty as well as value to your selection.

Types of Tahitian pearls used in necklaces
The Tahitian pearls used on necklaces vary in color and overtone. Even a "true" black is actually a very dark gray. The color most commonly found is a green-black. Black with eggplant overtones also appears. The most rare and valuable colors are peacock, true greens and blues. Some people prefer the neutral "true" black or silver colors, which easily match much of their wardrobes.

Tahitian pearl shapes also vary from baroque to round.

Types of Tahitian pearl necklaces
Necklaces that incorporate Tahitian pearls cover a range of currently popular pearl necklace styles:

Lengths
* 17 inch princess - a single short strand to wear inside the collar.
* 24 inch matinee - a longer strand that can be worn casually, as part of a group of necklaces, or over a turtleneck.
* 36 inch opera - a strand that can be doubled, wrapped around the wrist as a bracelet cuff, or simply worn long.
* 51 inch rope - a strand that can be doubled, tripled, and otherwise creates many options.

Designs
* Single color
* Color mixes of different Tahitian pearls or Tahitian pearls with South Sea white pearls, creating darker or lighter blends
* Single size of pearl
* Graduated pearl

Quality types of Tahitian Pearls
We rate our Tahitian pearls in accordance with the most widely recognized industry scale for pearl quality. We only sell pearls rated AA+ and higher, coming from the top 5-10 percent of each harvest and providing outstanding value to our clients.

Pearl Grading Scale

Grade
AAA Highest grade. Top 2% of a pearl harvest. Flawless on at least 95% of the pearl surface with 5% having slight concentrated imperfections. Very High

AA+ High-grade. Top 5-10% of harvest. Also sold in finer jewelry stores. Flawless on 80-85% of surface with remaining 15-20% containing only minor imperfections with one or two deep imperfections. High luster.

A given necklace's value depends in part on how well matched the pearls are, in both size and quality. When a graduated necklace is chosen, the pearls should graduate similarly on both sides, and the amount of each graduation should be small.

Unique features of Tahitian black pearl necklaces
Black pearls are harvested at relatively large sizes, so even a small necklace makes a statement. A Tahitian pearl necklace combines some of the rarest pearls produced in the world with some of the most beautiful colors available in pearl necklaces. Any black pearl necklace you choose will make a stunning statement about your elegance and style.