The Black Tahitian Pearl: The Rarest of Them All!
“Mirror, Mirror, on the wall. Who is the rarest of them all?: The Black Tahitian Pearl!
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Tahitian pearls, also known as black pearls, are rare organic gems produced by the Black-lipped pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera). They are found in the French Polynesia Islands around Tahiti; hence this is why they are called “Tahitian Pearls”.
There are three types of black pearls:
· Black Akoya Pearl – color treated.
· Black Freshwater Pearls – color treated.
· Black Tahitian Pearls – naturally produced.
Out of the three above listed black pearls, Black Tahitian Pearls are the only natural black pearls, and a fine strand could cost you over $150,000. The other types of black pearls, Akoya and Freshwater, are produced with treatments and dyes.
How rare are Tahitian pearls?
(Above Earrings available at Pacific Pearl International.)
True Tahitian pearls are extremely rare and are considered one of the most beautiful types of pearls in the world. It is estimated that only 1 in 10,000 oysters will produce a suitable “white” pearl for profit, and the odds of finding a suitable black pearl are even higher. Pearl diving today in open waters has almost completely stopped so most pearls, including Tahitian, are now cultured and are produced on pearl farms. Wild pearls pretty much only exist as antiques.
How are Tahitian Pearls Made?
Black Tahitian pearls are formed when an external foreign irritant gets lodged in the oyster’s soft membrane (When produced on a pearl farm, the farmer will insert an irritant into the oyster’s body to imitate this wonder of nature.) To lessen the discomfort and separate the irritant, the mollusk starts to form a mother-of-pearl substance called nacre. It secretes this substance layer upon layer until a beautiful pearl is formed.
The Black-lipped oyster produces a unique coloration not found in other pearl-producing oysters such as shades of green, blue, and grey. The black pearls can even have overtones of red, aubergine, and peacock.
How to tell dyed vs. natural black pearls?
(Above necklace available at Pacific Pearl International.)
Treated and dyed pearls are more uniform in color while true Tahitian pearls tend to produce a more natural variation.
In addition, the drill hole of dyed pearls will naturally collect color in the space that will show slightly darker. If you look directly in the drill hole, you might see a darkened nucleus (the irritant used), but this can be hard to see on smaller pearls. A reputable jeweler will disclose if a black pearl is a natural Tahitian pearl or whether it is a dyed Akoya or Freshwater pearl. You should always do your own research before purchasing a Tahitian pearl.
The Black Tahitian pearls are known as the 'Black Swans of Jewelry' and will make an exquisite addition to any jewelry collection ~ They are the Rarest Pearl of All!
A good and reputable Tahitian black pearl dealer is Pacific Pearls International. All their pearls come with a Certificate of Authenticity, 30-days Money Back Guarantee, and a Lifetime Warranty.
Shop Pacific Pearls International HERE.
Author Bio
Isabella Boston
Isabella Boston is a multi-talented writer and the founder of Bella’s Attic Studio. She has several years of experience in medical content writing, copywriting, and social media strategies. She is a diarist and the author of Passion of Flames. Isabella has special interests in fashion and beauty, health and wellness, and natural healing as it pertains the body, mind, and soul. When she is not writing, Isabella enjoys playing the violin, learning new languages, and reading books of substance.
