TAHITIAN PEARL

High quality Tahitian black pearl necklace with 18K gold, diamond & multicolor tourmaline clasp
Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA), Global Gemology & Appraisals
Species:  Cultured Pearl
Pearl Type:  Tahitian (Bead Nucleated)
Mollusk:  Pinctada Margaritifera
​​Mohs Hardness:  2.5 to 4.5 out of 10
Color:  Neutral silver, cream or brown to black or gray, to blue, green, yellowish green, or purple, with green, blue or rosé overtones
RI:  1.530 to 1.685
Birefringence:  0.155 (Birefringence blink technique)
SR/DR/AGG:  AGG
Spectrum:  Not diagnostic
Fluorescence:  Variable
SG:  2.72 to 2.78
Routine Treatments:  None
Additional Enhancements:  Dyeing, irradiation

Tahitian Pearl Facts

This Tahitian pearl is semi-baroque with moderate surface blemishing.
Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA), Global Gemology & Appraisals

Tahitian black pearls typically range in size from 8mm to 14mm.

They are produced by the Pinctada margaritifera, better known as the black lip oyster.

Black lip oysters are cultivated around the French Polynesian islands, near Tahiti.

Tahitian pearls can be spherical, oval, button-shaped, drop or baroque (sometimes circled).

Tahitian Pearl Gallery