Tahitian pearl
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
Culturing
The
As an export
The Tahitian pearl is French Polynesia’s largest
See also
- Servilia's pearl, a black pearl given by Julius Caesar to his love Servilia
References
- ^ a b Newman, Renee. Pearl Buying Guide. "Black Pearls." Los Angeles: International Jewelry Publications, c2005, p. 73
- ^ a b "Pearl Description". Retrieved 25 February 2015.
- ^ a b "Tahitian Pearls". Retrieved 25 February 2015.
- ^ Newman, Renee. Pearl Buying Guide. "Black Pearls." Los Angeles: International Jewelry Publications, c2005, pp. 76–77
- .
- ^ Alden, Nancy. Simply Stunning Jewelry: A Treasury of Projects, Techniques, and Inspiration. "Tahitian Pearl Earrings." New York: Potter Craft, c2009, pp. 161–162
- ^ a b Matlins, Antoinette. The Pearl Book. "Tahiti and French Polynesia." Vermont: Gemstone Press, c2008, pp. 104–107
- ^ Southgate, Paul C. The Pearl Oyster. "The Pearl Market." Buena Vista:Elsevier. c2008, pp. 357–361