The Tahitian Black Pearl -- Black Pearls From Tahiti

BLACK PEARLS FROM TAHITI FAQS

BLACK PEARLS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Top Questions ======================================================================= 1 )  What is the difference between a Tahitian black pearl and other pearls? The Tahitian black pearl comes from a large oyster ( 200 to 400 mm, or 8 to 16 inches ) called the Pinctada Margaritifera. It grows only in warm waters endowed with unique biological characteristics. These oysters are distinctly different from those which produce "white" pearls. The largest concentration of these oysters is found in the Gambier and Tuamotu archipelagos. The resulting black pearls are large generally 10.5 to 11 mm and feature colors ranging from light gray to deep black, with overtones of peacock green, aubergine purple, blue, rose, or gold. The white or Akoya pearl is made by the Pinctada Fucata, a small oyster ( about 130 mm, or 5 inches ) which is easy to farm and lives primarily in Japan and in China. It produces a small white pearl about 6 to 9 mm in diameter. Currently, most Akoya pearls over 7 mm are cultured in Japan. China has become the major producer for Akoya pearls less than 7 mm in size. The South Seas pearl comes from the Pinctada Maxima, which produces large light- colored pearls. ======================================================================= 2 )   Why is it sometimes called a "black pearl" since it isn't really black? We prefer the name " Tahitian pearl ", but it has often called the " black pearl " in comparison to Japanese white pearls and because the common name for the oyster that produces it is the " black-lipped oyster". A more accurate description might be " Multi-Colored Pearls " or even " Rainbow Pearls" since they are created in such a wide range of exciting colors. These varing from light gray to the deepest shade of black including colors as diverse as mauve, blue, deep charcoal gray, pink eggplant, and the very much sought after " peacock green " shade. ======================================================================= 3 )  What gives black pearls so many colors? The color of the pearls vary with the oyster's genetic background, the way the "seed" is put into the oyster, the minerals in the water, and the quality of the plankton absorbed by the oyster. ======================================================================= 4 )  What is the best color for Tahitian black pearls? Black pearls come in many colors, and while peacock green is the most rare and costly, all the colors are beautiful. Choose the color which pleases you the most, which looks the best on you.  ======================================================================= 5 )  What causes black pearls surface characteristics? As the product of a living creature, each individual black pearl has its own unique surface. Slight changes in the oysters invironment can cause unevenness in the way the pearly layers are laid down. Sometimes these irregularities can develope into strikingly unique characteristics. Just as each of us has are own personality, each pearl is slightly different. ======================================================================= 6 )  What is the difference between a cultured black pearl and a natural pearl? A " natural " pearl is formed around a foreign body that accidentally gets inside the oyster. When black pearls are " cultured " , the foreign body is intentionally placed inside the oyster by people. ======================================================================= 7 )  Why are Tahitian black pearls so expensive ( especially when compared  to white pearls )? The oyster that produces the Tahitian black pearl is rarer than the white pearl oyster and its farming is much more delicate. While the white pearl can be farmed close to inhabited areas,  the Tahitian black pearl oyster is sensitive to any kind of pollution and can only be farmed in lagoons that meet their unique climatic, biological and ecological needs. These lagoons are located over a thousand kilometers ( 600 miles ) from supply centers. All supplies, from facilities to workers and their food, must be brought in by sea or air. Also, in order to produce the thick pearly layer that is responsible for Tahitian black pearls superior luster, the pearls are grown for a much longer period of time ( at least 2 years ) than the white pearl  ( as little as 8 months ). Finally, only a small number of the cultured oysters ( 15% ) produce Tahitian black pearls whose quality meets ( The Tahitian Black Pearl ) high quality standards. All these factors generate much higher production cost than for white pearls and make the Tahitian black pearl a scarcer gem than the white pearl. ======================================================================= 8 )  Identifing Artificial Coloring of  " Black " pearls? Most " black " pearls on the market from 1900 through the 1970s were artificially colored. Various methods of dyeing and irradiation were used ( and still are ). Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to spot artificial color in black pearls unless you use sophisticated testing equipment. Suspicious black pearls should be sent to a gemological or pearl-testing laboratory. All of The Tahitian Black Pearl pearls come from the Pinctada Margaritifera , the  " black-lipped " oyster. Tahitian black pearls are recognized as naturally colored by GIA ( Gemological Institute of America ). ======================================================================= 9 )  How can I identify imitation " black pearls "? Imatation black pearls are  easily recognized by a careful observer. With hollow beads, the polish is to smooth and the reflection of the light will seldom fool you. A touch of the hand is often enough. The bead of the necklace slides in the hand with a feeling of something greasy or soapy. Looked at with a magnifing glass, areas near the pearl's hole may show detached portions or curling of the varnish. If you have the slightest doubt, gently rub the black pearl against one of your teeth: an imitation black pearl will slide smoothly while a natural or cultured black pearl will stick with a slight scratching feeling.