Tahitian Pearl Jewelry
Tahitian black pearls are the most exotic and sought-after pearls on earth. When they are perfectly round and glow with peacock blue or green, Tahitian black pearls may command from 10 to 100 times the price of white pearls. Traditionally, they are the gems most treasured by Pacific Islands royalty. For the rest of the world these gems were legendary, and only within the last 40 years has it been possible to find true Tahitian pearls in fine jewelry created outside of the Pacific and Far East.
Tahitian pearls are farmed in warm Polynesian waters. Their source, the black-lipped oyster, can produce pearls of any color, so genuine Tahitian cultured pearls may be colored white or ivory. But the black Tahitian pearl, especially when it blushes green, has an aura of mystery that for some leads to obsession. Fine jewelry designers have devised their most elegant and extravagant settings for these pearls, seating them like royalty amid clusters of diamonds. Simona Italian Jewelry is proud to present you with some examples.
Although Tahitian pearls can now be cultured, the process requires expert grafting techniques, perfect seawater temperatures and conditions, and attentive daily care for a minimum of three years. This has only increased their value. A fine black Tahitian pearl is a masterpiece of nature, and it is also an investment.
Be sure you purchase a true Tahitian black pearl. Dyed imitations are made in Japan and elsewhere. Be sure the pearl you buy is mature: Pearls harvested too soon have a large nucleus and too little nacre, or coating. Look for nacre at least a millimeter in depth. Cultured Tahitian pearls have been coaxed to grow to a spectacular 21 millimeters in diameter, but perfect pearls over 12 millimeters in diameter are rare. Seek jewelry that shows Tahitian pearls of any size at their best. True Tahitian pearls appear in varied shapes including “drop,” “baroque,” “mabe,” and the small “keshi,” and may flash the colors pink, purple, copper, or blue, as well as green. Unlike the more familiar precious stones, pearls are organic gems, composed of water and proteins. Maintaining your exquisite Tahitian pearl jewelry may mean treating it with special care; see our Jewelry Care Instructions.
View all of our Tahitian Pearl Jewelry
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