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.

How do you know if Tahitian pearls are real?

The real deal will always shimmer and reflect under any light. One other way to detect a fake is looking at the drill holes in the pearls if on a necklace or a bracelet. Real pearls will show a rough finish or unevenness around the drill site, whereas the drill holes on a fake pearl will look perfect and precise.

What color Tahitian pearl is most valuable?

#2 - "Black" Tahitian pearls aren't actually black

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.

How can you tell a black pearl?

Dyed black Freshwater pearls look strikingly similar to dyed black Akoya in terms of color, size and luster- the easiest way to tell the two apart is differences in the shape: Akoya pearls are perfectly round, while the Freshwater pearls will feature slight off-round to oval-ish shapes.

What is a Tahitian pearl worth?

Low quality Tahitian pearls may be sold for as little as $200, while standard grade pearls can range from $200 to $600. The finest quality Tahitian pearls can fetch anywhere between $1,000 and $36,000 or more from the right buyer.

Black Pearls real vs fake comparison. How to spot fake pearls

Are Tahitian black pearls valuable?

Black, or Tahitian pearls, are some of the most beautiful gems on this planet. They carry a unique color that cannot be found naturally in any other pearl hence making them one of the most valuable pearls on Earth.

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 makes a good Tahitian pearl?

Description. Tahitian pearls come in a range of colors from white to black. They can contain various undertones and overtones of green, pink, blue, silver and yellow. The most valuable of these are of the darker variety, as the naturally dark tones of the Tahitian pearls is a unique quality among pearls.

What is good quality Tahitian pearl?

Tahitian Pearl Grading

Pure Pearls uses the 'A-AAAA' Grading Scale for all Tahitian pearl jewelry. On the A-AAAA Scale, 'A' represents the lowest, commercial grades, and 'AAAA' represents the best pearl quality available.

How do I know if my pearls are worth anything?

The qualities that determine the overall value of a natural or cultured pearl or a piece of pearl jewelry are size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality, and—for jewelry with two or more pearls—matching.

What makes Tahitian pearls so expensive?

These pearls have become some of the most sought-after, expensive pearls in the world. Because of their vast color range, matching these pearls into a finished strand is an enormous task requiring thousands of loose pearls to create a single strand.

How do you tell if a pearl is natural or cultured?

The Tooth Test: Simply rub the pearl against your tooth, softly. If the pearl is natural or cultured, you will feel the surface as gritty. If the pearl is a faux gem, then the surface will feel smooth.

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.

Can you see your reflection in real pearls?

High quality pearls will have a strong, bright and clear luster and will shine, almost like the light is coming from within, when light hits them. With lustrous pearls, you can usually see your own reflection.

Can Tahitian pearls get 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 difference between South Sea and Tahitian 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.

What color of pearls are 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.

Why are Tahitian pearls black?

Depending on the type of pearl, black pearls are either created using treatments(dyes, irradiation) or in the case of Tahitian pearls,the black-lipped Pinctada margaritifera is responsible for the mysterious dark coloration. Interestingly the color of pearl produced is influenced by the host oysters shell color.

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 should I look for when buying a black pearl?

Are real pearls heavy or light?

Real pearls are normally heavier than the fake ones. Toss them gently up and down in your hand and feel the weight difference. You can use this method to test those made from coated glass or plastic beads. The only exception with this weight test is in the case of solid glass beads.

Can you tell the difference between a cultured pearl and a natural pearl?

It's pretty much impossible to tell the difference between a natural and cultured pearl by just looking at its outer appearance. The only way to make absolute certain whether a pearl is natural or not is to perform an x-ray of the internal structure of the pearl.

Do real pearls peel?

Wear Your Pearls Often

If your pearls dry out this causes them to become brittle and the risk of them becoming damaged or they start to peel will increase. So it is important that you wear your pearls as often as you can.

Are yellowed pearls worth anything?

Yellow vs Yellowed Pearls

Pearls come in a range of colors, including yellow and golden. They have been cultivated to acquire this color and are sold as yellow pearls. These pearls are beautiful in their own right and are highly valuable and sought after.