Pearl Luster

Although natural black pearls are still found in the sea-bed, but they are becoming increasingly difficult to come by because of certain restrictions imposed on their procurement. On the other hand, Tahitian cultured black pearls are commonly available in the market, however their price structure, makes them premium items for many buyers.

These black pearls are obtained through grafting operations that are carried out by skilled technicians on black-lipped oysters of French Polynesia, called ‘Pinctada margaritifera’. Interestingly, black pearls are not absolutely black in color. They are most often multicolored, a metallic steel gray luster covering the entire surface. The darkish color of the pearl is imparted by the oyster that gives out dark, multicolored nacre instead of the common white or pale pink as in normal pearls. Black pearls spell elegance and are one of the rarest and striking gems known in the world of jewelry. They are usually made into necklaces, earrings, bracelets and many more and are available in a wide variety of luster and shade.

Tahitian black pearls are also endowed with bigger sizes as the oyster that produces the pearl is much larger (up to 12 inches in diameter) compared to a mere 3 inches for the Akoya oyster that produces white pearls. Tahitian cultured black pearls are sold in various grades, and these grades are always stamped on them for the convenience of the buyer.

Of all the black pearls that are cultivated either as Saltwater or Freshwater products, the Tahitian black pearl outshines all, looking the most exotic because of its thick nacre and dazzling luster. Moreover, it has a metallic sheen, bestowing an extra appeal. The radiant Tahitian black pearls catch the light with an unmistakable power and are a sheer joy to wear in whatever form the lady may prefer.

However please keep in mind that not all Tahitian black pearls are cultured in Tahiti and also, all cultivated pearls are not black in color. Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia but the pearl culturing farms are located in other remote island atolls that are accessible only through sea-planes or boats. Since they are all close to Tahiti, they are known as Tahitian black pearls.

Truthfully speaking, the blue lagoons of Tuamotu Archipelago and the Gambier Islands are home to the pearl farms that cultivate and develop the famous Tahitian black pearls. The shallow lagoons located around these islands are bounded by coral reefs where the waters are nutrient rich, clear and calm and are thus extremely helpful in the black pearl culturing process. It is in these waters that black pearls are grown in a type of bi-valve mollusk called ‘black-lipped oysters’ that are native to French Polynesia.

The inner edges and brims of the mantles are rainbow colored, giving them the look.

What are Akoya pearls? Grown in ocean salt waters, Akoya pearls are the most popular cultured pearls in the world. Akoya pearls are famous for their shape, beauty and high luster. Though smaller in size, no other type can match the luminous luster of Akoya pearls. Actually, Akoya pearls were the first pearls to be cultured in the early 20th century, thereby providing pearl jewelry at an affordable price to interested buyers. Being smaller in size, Akoya pearls are often used as pearl strands, the most desirable color being white with pink overtones.

So how are these cultured Akoya pearls formed? The formation of a pearl begins in the inside of an oyster when a foreign body enters it. Now since the entry naturally causes irritation, the oyster covers it with layers of secretion that are produced by the mantle. And this is how a pearl begins to take shape and grow. Taking the cue from nature, man has started organizing farms. Oysters are usually cultivated in shallow basins or lagoons where divers insert elements into the oysters or simply cut a slit in the mantle of the oyster and then let it go for the pearl to develop over time. The pearls that are so obtained are referred to as cultured pearls.

The oyster that produces Akoya pearls are the smallest, adults are between three to five inches in diameter, and thus, Akoya pearls are much smaller than the other variants. But what it lacks in volume is more than compensated in quality. Considering pearl value factors, the Akoya stands out and as a matter of fact, most of them prove ‘exceptional’. The secret behind the ‘matching quality’ lies in their shape, which is round or near-round.

However, size sometimes becomes an important factor in evaluating an Akoya pearl as there is apparently a gulf of difference between a 7.5 mm and an 8 mm Akoya. This is because the 8 mm variety fits snugly in fashion jewelry whereas the 7.5 mm variety is simply discarded. Though small in size, but these pearls increase in value as the size grows. However, size notwithstanding, Akoya pearls have typically good luster that stands out as a precious gem.

A word or two about Akoya pearls in fashion jewelry. These amazing pearls are a favorite of fashion designers and jewelers and are thus used in rings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, brooches, earrings for the women and tie tacks, cufflinks and other accessories for men. Among all the above uses, probably Akoya pearls are most widely used in pearl necklaces. Akoya pearls are available in white or cream in body color with rose, silver or ivory overtones. However some of these Akoya pearls are also available as black which is attained through coloring using a process known as irradiation.