tahitian pearl

Fine quality Tahitian black pearl necklace with an 18K gold clasp, set with multicolor tourmalines
Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, Global Gemology & Appraisals
Species:  Cultured Pearl
​​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

tahitian pearl facts

This Tahitian pearl is semi-baroque with moderate surface blemishing.
Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, 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).