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Tahitian Black Pearls
Tahitian pearls, more commonly known as black pearls, are older than many other cultured pearls but owe their history to Japan. Ever since pearl production in Tahiti began, there has been a power struggle for dominance for pearl farming in the region.The beginnings to the Black Pearl industry can be traced back to several important men in the pearl industry today. Jacques Branellec (father of the South Sea Gold Pearl) brought over a master Japanese grafter to begin cultivating pearl on the Marutea Sud atoll. However, due to a dispute with his business partner, we was forced out. This later led to Robert Wan purchasing Marutea Sud. Robert Wan today has cornered the Tahitian Pearl market, making him one of the most famous people in French Polynesia.
These wonderful pearls are known for their deep exotic colors from the black lipped oysters. These colors are far more you unique than classic Akoya Pearls or South Sea Pearls, and more deep than freshwater pearls. The remote waters in French Polynesia allow for clean waters, which is required for pearl farming.
Tahitian Black Pearls originate from French Polynesia along the different atolls and brought to Tahiti for trading. In order to be exported out of French Polynesia and called a Tahitian Pearl, they must be examined by the government and x-rayed. The minimum nacre thickness for export is 0.8mm. The pearls are cultivated using the beautiful Pinctada margaritifera oyster, often called the black-lipped oyster. The technique in cultivating the pearls is similar to Akoyas.
The process requires a donor oyster to supply mantle tissue as well as a donor oyster to supply a mother of pearl bead. After 2 to 3 years of waiting and surviving the harsh elements of the ocean, these oysters will hopefully produce beautiful pearls.
During these years of harvesting the oysters are periodically removed from the water and cleaned to help the oysters better survive. They are often placed in large nets to protect them from predators, but ultimately many still die. If the oyster successfully produces a pearl, they will be used to culture a second time.
Tahitian Black Pearls come in all different size shapes and colors. Generally, Tahitian Black Pearls are generally between 8 and 16mm. The most common size is actually 9mm. This size is great for earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets and even some pendant designs.
Tahitian Pearls are often refered to as Black Pearls; however, they main body colors also include green and grey. Pearls also have a secondary color usually called a color modifier or overtone. Some overtone colors include blue, gold, purple, ang green. This chart shows Kyllonen's most commonly carried colors, which are considered highly sought after. We also seperate these into AAA and Gem quality based on color saturations of the pearls. Allowing us to provide you the best.
Unlike classic white akoya pearls, Tahitian Black Pearls are the sexy and exotic. There are nearly 100 different common color combinations making the uniqueness unmatched by other sea pearls.They come from some of the most remote islands on earth and display a beautiful array of colors, sizes and shapes.
Tahitian pearls come in sizes much larger than Akoya pearls and nearly the same size as South Sea Pearls. However, the cost for these precious gems are quite affordable compared to some of their sea pearl counterparts.
Some shades of colors are so unique they are completely one of a kind and only sold in individual pieces of special jewelry, not to be replicated. If you are looking for exotic and unique pearls, These are the perfect pearls for you to stand out from the crowd.
