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.
Pearls with pronounced iridescence and saturated colors are considered more valuable, all other factors like Luster, Shape, Surface Quality and Size being equal. The Most Popular and Famous Tahitian Pearl Overtones are: Classic Peacock – Extremely popular, and is an iridescent mix of Green, Gold and Rose.
The market is oversaturated with artificially-made and dyed pearls, which makes it quite tricky when it comes to identifying real pearls, particularly black ones. Quick Summary: Tahitian pearls, also known as black pearls are incredibly valuable. Even those of lowest quality can be found for $200 per pearl.
However, most high quality Tahitian pearls, particularly in the smaller size ranges, will display a sharper, highly reflective luster that comes closer to the “mirror-like” shine of the Japanese Akoya. Tahitian Pearl Type: Tahitian pearls are cultured in the saltwater oyster pinctada margaritifera black-lipped oyster.
Black Pearl Price Range:
Dyed Black Freshwater Pearls: $50 - $1000. Dyed Black Akoya Pearls: $100 - $2000. Natural Color Black Tahitian Pearls: $250 - $30,000.
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. But it's important to keep in mind that they are not as unique as they used to be.
If you're someone who takes very good care of their belongings and is cautious with how you handle them, then wearing your pearls every day shouldn't be a problem. Those who are a bit more reckless, however, might want to stick to wearing them only on special occasions.
Fake Tahitian pearls are frequently sold with a smooth, matt surface and a perfectly spherical shape. It's important to remember that a genuine Tahitian pearl should reflect light. The shine of a Tahitian pearl is a criterion for determining the authenticity of a TOP Grade black pearl.
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.
It is strongly recommended not to get your pearls wet by either showering or swimming (ocean, swimming pool or Jacuzzi hot tubs).
Rub the pearls to check surface feel
Both natural and cultured pearls have textured surface due to their layered nacre structure. So when you rub the pearls lightly against each other or on your front teeth, they feel a little gritty. Fake or imitation pearls, however, usually feel smooth or glassy.
The lustrous surface of a pearl is softer than other gemstones and can be scratched by harder metal and gemstone jewelry. Store pearls separately from your other jewelry in a soft pouch or lined box or drawer.
Wisdom: According to Chinese folklore, natural Tahitian pearls symbolize wisdom, and as such, gifting a black pearl is gifting wisdom. Everlasting Love: Legend has it that Oro, a Polynesian god of fertility and peace, gifted a black pearl to his love – making a Tahitian pearl the perfect choice for your partner.
Akoya pearls are the preeminent cultured pearls. They are the pearls that the Mikimoto brand popularized. Prized by royalty and pearl connoisseurs for centuries, Akoya pearls have long been coveted for their perfectly round shape, richness, and deep luster.
Fine Quality: $500 – $40,000 and higher
This means that the average Tahitian pearl can range from 0.8mm to 2.0mm nacre thickness (so very thick!), making these pearls very durable.
While Tahitian pearls are typically smaller than South Sea pearls, they can also grow quite large, with average sizes ranging from 8 to 14 millimeters. Tahitian strands can cost anywhere from $100 to more than $30,000.
Do not keep your Tahitian pearl jewelry in water as that could damage the material that holds the gems together. To prevent cracks, do not keep this gemstone in hot and dry areas.
Observe how the color looks around and inside the drill hole. If the pearl is natural, the color of the pearl will go all the way through, but if you notice that the nacre inside is white, while the surface of the pearl is another color, then it's likely been dyed.
South Sea pearls are generally the largest cultured pearl type, they can grow anywhere from 1-3 years, before they are ready to harvest. Ranging in size from 8.0-9.0mm up through 20.0mm, with the average sizes ranging from 9.0-10.0mm through 14.0-15.0mm. Perfectly round Tahitian pearls are the most valued and rare.
By value. As white pearls are by far the most common, they are generally considered less expensive than black pearls. However, their value is actually determined by how and where they are produced, their shape and size, and their lustre.
Judging Black Pearls
A buyer should consider color, luster, size, surface quality, nacre thickness and shape when choosing pearls. Color: It's natural to assume that a black pearl is black, but that is not always, or even typically, the case.
Pearls harm the natives of these zodiac signs. This means that people of Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Capricorn and Aquarius ascendant should not wear pearls.
Do pearls lose their luster or become dull? It's possible that pearls can lose their shimmer and shine over time, but you can prevent it from happening by learning how to clean your cultured pearl necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings.