Tahitian pearls are produced in the black-lipped oyster “Pinctada margaritifers“, in and around Tahiti and the French Polynesian islands. This oyster itself is quite large – sometimes over 12 inches across and weighing as much as 10 pounds – which often results in much larger than average pearls.
Sizes vary from 8 mm to 20 mm in diameter. These pearls are unique because of their natural dark colors. Most “black” Tahitian pearls are not actually black, but are instead silver, charcoal, or a multitude of colors with the dominant color being green. Truly black pearls – caution: not dyed freshwater pearls – are among the most beautiful pearls in the world, especially when they have a red iridescent overtone glimmering over the surface. In that rare case they are characterized as “Peacock” and we are always delighted when we manage to find some of this variety to offer to you!
Tahiti Pearls