Tahitian pearl

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Tahitian pearls in bulk

The Tahitian pearl (or black pearl) is an organic gem formed from the black lip oyster (Pinctada margaritifera).[1] These pearls derive their name from the fact that they are primarily cultivated around the islands of French Polynesia, around Tahiti.[2]

Description

Tahitian pearls come in a range of colors from white to black.[2] 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. A true black Tahitian pearl is extremely rare, and largely considered one of the most beautiful kinds of pearls in the world. Most Tahitian pearls that are identified as “black” are actually charcoal grey, silver, or dark green.[3] An advantage of the Tahitian pearl is that the oyster inside of which they grow is quite large, sometimes weighing as much as ten pounds. This means that a Tahitian pearl can more easily grow to a larger-than-average size.[3]

The cultured Tahitian pearl comes in various shapes, sizes, and colors; shapes include round, semi-round, button, circle, oval, teardrop, semi-baroque and

jewelry setting.[6]
The versatility and mixture of color give it its value.

Culturing

Tahitian pearl sizes in different colors

The

epithelial cells to ensure that the oyster produces nacre around the nucleus. The materials used in the process are organic, to decrease the probability of the oyster rejecting the nucleus.[1] The shell is sanded and rounded to form the bead, so the pearls produced have a rounder shape. The whole process takes place quickly, because oysters cannot survive very long out of water.[7]

As an export

The Tahitian pearl is French Polynesia’s largest

Gambier Archipelago, which is one of the five archipelagos which make up French Polynesia (Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia and the Tahitians make up the main ethnic group in the territory).[8]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Newman, Renee. Pearl Buying Guide. "Black Pearls." Los Angeles: International Jewelry Publications, c2005, p. 73
  2. ^ a b "Pearl Description". Retrieved 25 February 2015.
  3. ^ a b "Tahitian Pearls". Retrieved 25 February 2015.
  4. ^ Newman, Renee. Pearl Buying Guide. "Black Pearls." Los Angeles: International Jewelry Publications, c2005, pp. 76–77
  5. .
  6. ^ Alden, Nancy. Simply Stunning Jewelry: A Treasury of Projects, Techniques, and Inspiration. "Tahitian Pearl Earrings." New York: Potter Craft, c2009, pp. 161–162
  7. ^ a b Matlins, Antoinette. The Pearl Book. "Tahiti and French Polynesia." Vermont: Gemstone Press, c2008, pp. 104–107
  8. ^ Southgate, Paul C. The Pearl Oyster. "The Pearl Market." Buena Vista:Elsevier. c2008, pp. 357–361