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.

How can you tell if a pearl is Tahitian?

Determining Tahitian Pearl Value: Colors

Tahitian cultured pearls are typically dark gray, dark green or dark purple/blue. They have a high value compared to other pearls. This is due to their shimmering orient and a spectacular undertone.

What is special about Tahitian pearls?

Tahitian pearls are considered to be the second most valuable commercially farmed pearls in the world. Unlike black freshwater and black akoya pearls, which have been irradiated or dyed, Tahitians come by their dark color naturally.

Are Tahitian pearls the same as black pearls?

Because of their darker hues, Tahitian pearls are commonly known as "black pearls". However, Tahitian pearls have the ability to contain various undertones and overtones of green, pink, blue, silver and yellow. All (or any combination) of these colors may be seen in a cultured Tahitian pearl.

What is the highest quality pearl?

Are These Tahitian Pearls?

What does grade AAA mean for pearls?

AAA Flawless pearl on at least 80-85% of its surface, with the remaining 15-20% containing only minor imperfections with one or two deep imperfections. AAAA Flawless pearl on at least 95% of the pearl surface, with 5% having slight concentrated imperfections. Luster. A Poor. AA Medium.

How can you tell good quality pearls?

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. FACT: While observing pearls under a magnifier, specialists can easily tell whether they are a fake or a real gem.

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.

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.

What color of Tahitian pearls is more 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.

What is the best Tahitian pearl color?

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 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.

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.

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 rare are black Tahitian pearls?

If an oyster that typically produces white pearls has an unusual black coloring in its nacre, it too can create a blackish pearl. This, however, is rare; it occurs in only one in 10,000 pearls.

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.

Do black pearls fade?

Silver nitrate is used to create a chemical reaction leading to the black color. Neither dying nor irradiation can be considered a permanent treatment and the Pearls can fade over time.

What should I look for when buying a black pearl?

How much does Tahitian pearl cost?

Tahitian Pearl Value

Tahitian pearls are exotic, with dark colors. Depending on their size and quality, a strand of Tahitian pearls can cost from $500 to more than $25,000. These magnificent beauties come in a variety of qualities and pearl sizes, as well as some of the most stunning pearl colors.

How do you take care of 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 is a peacock pearl?

Peacock or "black" pearls are cultured freshwater pearls with dark blue, green-gray, to purple hues. Their exotic colors make exquisite pearl jewelry.

Which are better freshwater or cultured pearls?

The fact of the matter is this: almost all pearls sold today are cultured pearls, including freshwater pearls. In other words, there is no real difference when comparing cultured freshwater pearls vs. freshwater pearls. The real differentiator is the environment in which they are made, either freshwater or saltwater.

How can you tell real pearls from vinegar?

The vinegar test is exactly what it sounds like. The acetic acid in vinegar will react with the calcium carbonate in the nacre of the pearl. Put a drop of vinegar on the pearl or submerge the pearl in a small cup of vinegar. If you can see bubbles forming from the reaction, your pearls are authentic.

What are fake pearls called?

Fake pearls are also called “faux”, “costume” or “imitation”. They can be made of glass, plastic, or fish-scale imitations. For example, "majorica pearls" are a form of fake pearls. There is nothing in them that rightly allow them to be called pearls.