Tahitian Cultured Pearls

Tahitian cultured

The natural dark color of Tahitian pearls comes from the black-lipped pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera. These oysters are cultivated primarily in the warm lagoons of French Polynesia, where environmental conditions support pearl farming. Like other saltwater pearl oysters, Pinctada margaritifera is sensitive to the cultivation process, which contributes to the relative rarity and value of Tahitian cultured pearls. Tahitian pearls are generally larger than Akoya pearls and are known for bodycolors ranging from gray to black, often with green, blue, purple, bronze, or peacock overtones.

Color, origin and quality are separate details

Tahitian cultured pearls are grown in saltwater pearl oysters, chiefly Pinctada margaritifera. Dark body color and green, pink or other overtones are separate appearance characteristics. A color name alone does not establish a pearl's quality grade, treatment status or the origin of a specific item; use the current product's disclosures for those details.

Compare Tahitian pearl jewelry

Read the Tahitian Pearl Buying Guide for a fuller comparison of size, shape, luster, surface and matching. Use the Pearl Color & Overtone Guide to understand color descriptions, then browse Tahitian pearl jewelry or Tahitian pearl necklaces.

Sources and scope

GIA: Different Pearl Types & Colors explains cultured pearl families and general color terminology. This educational reference is not a laboratory report or certification for any AKWAYA product.