What is the Tahitian Pearl?

Delivering radiance and grace from the depth of the crystal waters to your hands, the Tahitian pearl is the perfect example of one of nature's unmistakable wonders. As a saltwater gem, these marvelous Tahitian pearls are the bling lovers' true delicacy, making them highly valued and sought after. Unlike freshwater pearls, which come in color ranges such as white and ivory, Tahitian pearls come in a variety of signature dark hues, from silvery grays, seductive blacks, mysterious greens, and peacock blues. In this article, CTC Jewelry is ready to tell you all about the iconic “Tahitian pearl,” which speaks for our collection.

This rare beauty, also known as black pearls, is cultivated and found in the black-lipped oysters in the salt waters of the French Polynesian Islands. What makes this beauty significantly one of a kind is its striking colors, shapes, and the rich meanings associated with it, increasing its value tenfold. Let's dive deep into the pearly waters to uncover its true beauty in this comprehensive Tahitian black pearl guide.

Understanding the Tahitian Pearl.

• Origins of the black pearl

The origins of the black pearl are traced mainly to the ocean of the French Polynesian Islands but also extend to Panama, East Australia, and Mexico. In these tropical waters live the seawater oyster species named black-lipped oyster or Pinctada margaritifera, in which these pearls form. Unfortunately, due to heavy fishing and climate changes with global warming, it is very rare to find a naturally formed Tahitian pearl inside a black-lipped oyster.

The majority of the black pearls you find are cultivated from culturing processes where a bead made from a mollusk shell combined with a mantle tissue is inserted into the black-lipped oyster in which, after two years, a beautiful Tahitian gem can be retrieved. This process is done without any harm to the oysters, which are then released back into the ocean.

• Unique Characteristics of Tahitian Pearls

The black pearl's signature dark hues with colorful undertones such as green, blue, and violet are a result of the protective substances called nacre secreted by the host oyster, which creates layer upon layer of the pearl. As these layers are formed around the inserted bead or a naturally logged irritant, it will retract and reflect light from outside, resulting in the luscious and luxurious look of a pearl by the end.

The color of the black pearl can be influenced by the host black-lipped oyster colors as well. These vary in size from 8mm to 14mm depending on the size of the oyster, size of the bead, and environmental conditions. Compared to other types of pearls, the rare color, bigger sizes, and the high value set black pearls apart.

The Significance of the Tahitian Saltwater Beauty.

• Cultural and Historical Importance

Being the largest export in French Polynesia, the Tahitian pearls have come long from not just the endless bottom of the oceans but also throughout time. Soughting after black-lipped oysters started back in the 1800s but not for pearls; rather, the oyster shell was used to make things such as fish hooks and buttons. After black pearls were found, historical logs show how native islanders were pressured to dive deep to retrieve pearls despite dangerous health risks to them.

When pearl farming started in the 1960s, it not only gave a chance for an endangering species of oysters to survive but also for the locals to gain autonomy over their own resources and their trade to be ethical and safe, bringing around 20 million each year by the date. Therefore, Tahitian pearls hold the cultural and historical significance of autonomy, freedom, and power.

• Symbolism and Meaning

These pearls can symbolize different meanings depending on their color. Black-gray pearls carry a nature of mystery and silent confidence rooted in strength. Pearls with dark purple overtones can symbolize nobility and passion as well as great wisdom, while Tahitian pearls with blue or peacock overtones can mean courage, class, and peaceful tranquility. Meanwhile, the graceful green pearls epitomize youth's new beginning and hope, which makes it a great gift, and cherry overtones signify romance and innocence.

Buying Black Pearls- What to Look For.

Key Factors in the Selecting Process.

In this section, let's explore how you can select the jewelry with the best Tahitian pearls by considering the key elements below:

• Size of the pearl

Despite the magnificent colors, another reason these pearls are highly adored is because of their relatively bigger size compared to other types of pearls. Check the size of the pearl; ideally, it should be anywhere between 8mm to 18mm.

• Shape of the pearl

Most people seek out smooth globe-like shapes in pearls, making them expensive among other shapes. The uniform round shape can catch and reflect the light in a beautiful way anyway it turns when you wear it. However, it does not mean that less uniform pearls are worthless; they hold a rather edgy quality to them, making them unique and striking.

• Color of the pearl

Even though it is often called the black pearl, a Tahitian pearl is never truly black. If you see one that is pitch black, it is possible that it has undergone a heavy chemical process or that it is a counterfeit. A genuine black pearl will have dark hues with overtones of different colors like blue, purple, or green. The more vibrant the overtones are, the higher the price will be.

The luster of the pearl.

Luster refers to the extent to which the pearl catches and bounces off light as it moves and turns. A great quality black pearl will show off its luster through the overlay of nacre formed over the years. You should be able to see reflections on the surface of your pearl if it has a good level of luster.

Trusted Sources and Ethical Considerations.

It might be too easy to get carried away with these mysterious seawater beauties, but it is notable that you should select trusted and reputable jewelers to shop at while also considering ethical steps you can take as a customer who can make an impact in the industry.

Make sure the jeweler is trustworthy, displays clear and consistent pricing along with products, shows transparency in product descriptions, offers payment options, and even offers fair deals for you to get your hands on your own Tahitian pearl. Ensuring the pearls come from sustainable and safe pearl farming practices where all labor and people involved are fairly traded, you can make a positive contribution through your purchase.

Caring for Your Tahitian Pearls.

Maintenance and Preservation Tips.

Tahitian pearls can last for years, sustaining its vibrance and luster when taken care of properly and consistently. Here are mini guides for you to refer to regarding the use, cleaning, and storage of black pearls.

• Use

Protecting your pearls does not mean keeping them in your jewelry box or safe. Don't hesitate to wear them to add a touch of elegance to your look. When you do so, make sure you handle it with a gentle touch and care. If you are getting ready to go somewhere, keep pearl jewelry as the last step of your routine, as sometimes harsh chemicals and substances from makeup, hair spray, or perfume can cause harm to pearls.

• Cleaning

Tahitian pearls are gentle formations of nature. When cleaning, stick to clean water; simply bathe them in runny water and pat dry them using a soft clean towel. To make them extra shiny and smooth, you can also use a tiny bit of olive oil or a soft cloth to polish them occasionally.

• Storage

When storing your precious Tahitian pearls, it is recommended to store them separately from your other jewelry to avoid scratching and other types of damage. You can either use a jewelry pouch or a box to store them. Make sure that your storage space is not a dry, cool, or extremely hot environment, as it will cause them to lose their gloss over time. Pearls need moisture to thrive.

Tahitian Pearl Trends.

Popular Jewelry Designs featuring Black Pearls.

The Tahitian pearl is used in numerous ways by skilled jewelers to adorn and decorate jewelry in precious metals such as silver and gold, elevating their demand day by day. Today, a diverse range of jewelry, from rings, anklets, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, are designed by incorporating the dazzling Tahitian pearl, calling out to thousands of pearl lovers.

While some prefer traditional designs such as this handpicked multicolored Tahitian necklace, some desire modern designs like our silver floral Tahitian earrings. You can explore options to personalize and customize your black pearl jewelry to add a flare of nostalgia and a sense of sentiment to your jewelry as well.

Why Tahitian Pearls are a Timeless Choice.

These Tahitian pearls or black pearls have not only seduced many hearts of precious metal and fashion lovers generations but also have excelled at remaining unwavering with elegance and class among the ever-changing waves of accessories.

The signature unique look of black pearls speaks for their high value and rarity, which is only doubled by their luster and shape, which is a result of a long-term, intricate, but ethical process. With artisanal skills and the creative souls of the craftsmen that capture the true beauty of this Tahitian wonder, a range of alluring jewelry allows you to select the perfect one for you. So, let your heart guide you to see which Tahitian pearl calls your soul and your needs.