TAHITIAN PEARL

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

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Tahitian Pearl Facts

A unique baroque Tahitian cultured pearl and black diamond bead necklace

The first Tahitian pearls were cultured in 1961 by French veterinary surgeon, Jean-Marie Domard.

In the early 1970s, Tahitian cultured pearls were still relatively unknown to the rest of the world.  Many jewelers believed their intense colors were due to the result of dye.  In 1973, a strand was sent into GIA for grading, where their color was determined to be natural.  Tahitian cultured pearls became the most valuable of all cultured pearls seemingly overnight!

Tahitian cultured pearls typically range in size from 8mm to 14mm, but can be as large as 20mm.

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 cultured pearls can be round, semi-round, semi-baroque, baroque, and circlé (circled).

In 1978, a fine Tahitian cultured pearl necklace sold for a record-breaking price of $500,000.  By 1985, fine strands were selling for upwards of $1,000,000!

Tahitian Pearl Gallery