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.

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