Why Tahitian pearls are black?

Black pearls are formed when that piece of sand gets stuck in the body of a very specific type of oyster, the Tahitian black-lipped Pinctada margaritifera. The interior shell, called the nacre, of most oysters is usually a glossy white or silver but the Tahitian black-lipped oyster features a thick band of black.

Are Tahitian pearls naturally black?

Unlike the more common pearl types, Tahitian pearls typically have a naturally dark body color. These pearls have become some of the most sought-after, expensive pearls in the world.

How do Tahitian pearls get their color?

Where Do Pearls Really Get Their Colors From? In many cases, the color of a pearl is influenced the color of the lip of the oyster, which is the outer portion of its shell. Cultured Tahitian pearls, for example, inherit their grey hues from cultured Tahitian black-lipped oysters, also known as Pinctada margaritifera.

What color Tahitian pearl is most valuable?

Prized Colors of Tahitian Pearls

With such a variety of colors displayed by the Tahitian pearls, there are some which are highly prized. Those with iridescent peacock and cobalt blue colors have the most value on the market.

Are Tahitian pearls white inside?

Tahitian pearls are known for their dark gray body-color, but they come in the full spectrum of shades, from white to black. Two aspects create the rich look of Tahitian pearls: body color and overtones. Body color describes the main color of the pearl.

The Tahitian Pearl

How can you tell a real Tahitian pearl?

Most of the black pearls have irregularities. A fake Tahitian pearl is often sold with a perfectly spherical surface, smooth and matt under the light. Always remember that a real Tahitian pearl has to reflect the light ! The brightness of a black pearl (the shine) is a criterion of the real Tahitian pearls.

What is the best color for Tahitian pearls?

The most highly prized Tahitian pearls are those with iridescent peacock and cobalt blue colors. In addition to peacock pearls, rainbows, grays and golds are also incredibly popular.

Are Tahitian pearls worth buying?

They are still the pearls with the most intrigue and value, but the pearl farming market has brought them down in rank in terms of rarity and value. Tahitian pearls are now affordable to a much wider demographic. They are absolutely worth buying if the black pearl look is what you desire and you can afford it.

Why are pearls black?

The pearl is made up of the same luminous, iridescent substance that the oyster lines the inside of its shell with. Black pearls are formed when that piece of sand gets stuck in the body of a very specific type of oyster, the Tahitian black-lipped Pinctada margaritifera.

Are Tahitian pearls green?

Traditionally the most sought after(expensive) Tahitian pearls will have a dark green body color and peacock(think oil slick) overtones. *It's important to note that Tahitian pearls are the only naturally "black" pearls. Black Akoya and black freshwater pearls are dyed.

Can you get Tahitian pearls wet?

If possible, store them wrapped in a soft cloth or in a soft-lined container, pouch, or jewelry box, but not in an airtight container because the pearls need to "breathe". It is strongly recommended not to get your pearls wet by either showering or swimming (ocean, swimming pool or Jacuzzi hot tubs).

What is the rarest pearl in the world?

The most rare pearl in the world is the Melo Melo, which is produced by a sea snail and not an oyster or a mollusk. The Melo Melo differs in appearance compared to a classic pearl, having a shimmery surface with swirling patterns in the light.

Do pearls change color with age?

Like many things in life, pearls age. As these precious gems age, they go through a natural process that changes the composition of the organic substances that make them up. This causes them to change color. Yellow pearls typically indicate that pearls are real since artificial pearls don't normally change color.

What is the difference between Tahitian and South sea pearls?

South Sea pearls are naturally delicate pastel in hue and color. They range from being soft white to creamy champagne and pink. Tahitian peals, on the different side of the spectrum, are bold and dramatic, since the natural color is black. Tahitians are very rare.

Why rub pearls on your teeth?

like a pepperoni pizza." The Tooth Test: To find out if a pearl is real, lightly rub it against the front of your tooth — not against the edge, which can scratch the pearl. If natural or cultured, rather than simulated, the pearl should feel gritty.

Which Colour pearl is best?

The most classic and widely preferred pearl color is white. The white pearl is considered a symbol of purity, and is often associated with wedding and graduation celebrations.

Who should wear black pearl?

One who possesses or wears a good Black pearl enjoys the blessings of Laksmi, the goddess of prosperity. This blessed one will live long and become free of evil, developing vitality and intelligence. He or she will achieve much renown and come to a high position due to the wisdom endowed by the pearl.

What color pearl is the most valuable?

The larger size makes South Sea pearls and black pearls the most valuable type of pearl. On Mikimoto's website, this strand of South Sea cultured pearls is selling for $32,000. The other notable difference between pearl types is the color.

What do Tahitian pearls symbolize?

What Does Tahitian Pearl Mean? In Tahitian legend, the Polynesian god Lono came down to earth on a rainbow for a princess, bringing black pearls as a gift with him. The god offered it to the princess as a token of his undying love and affection.

How much is a black pearl in Tahiti?

Choose one (they cost between roughly 1,000 and 12,000 francs) and you can get it mounted in-shop the same day. Pearl-hunting in Papeete is a good way to explore the town, which is strung out along the waterfront and is, essentially, about four streets deep.

How do you clean Tahitian pearls?

Tahitian pearls require relatively little care. They ask only to be worn from time to time so that they can be hydrated by direct contact with the skin. Simply wipe pearls with a soft cloth to preserve their beauty and gloss, or alternatively wash them in clean seawater.

What distinguishes Tahitian pearls from other pearls?

They are distinguished by the marked contrast between the surface colour and the brightness in depth (orient), shades of blue, blue-green, violet and green-pink. This green-pink orient, called "peacock", is the rarest and most expensive. Tahitian pearls grow in sea water for 4 to 5 years.

What is a black pearl called?

The Tahitian pearl (or black pearl) is an organic gem formed from the black lip oyster (Pinctada margaritifera). These pearls derive their name from the fact that they are primarily cultivated around the islands of French Polynesia, around Tahiti.

Is it OK to wear pearls everyday?

Casual or formal, night or day, pearls can be worn whenever and however you like So, if yours spend most of their time tucked away at the back of a drawer, we'd suggest you dig them out and start wearing them.

How do I get my pearls white again?

White pearls can yellow over time, but it is possible to brighten them up again. The acetone in nail polish remover can whiten old pearls and clean away stubborn stains.