Venturing into the world of Tahitian pearls for the first time? Here are the top six factors to consider for a great buy (and things I only learned along the way) and while the order is in my opinion, in the end, just trust what YOU love and enjoy it!
Color: While often called "black pearls", Tahitian pearls offer a spectrum WAY beyond black. They are grown in a Black Lip Mussel, but even the lip of those shells range from yellow, to pink to green and more!!
• Sought-after colors include peacock green, aubergine, and silver with blue or green overtones, but my personal favorite are the lighter colors because they are so unusual!
• True black pearls are rare and highly valued
Luster: This is the most important factor to me, as I love shiny pearls!! Look for a bright, mirror-like shine on the pearl's surface! The luster depends on the thickness and quality of the nacre layers; thicker nacre results in deeper, more intense luster. This can be a reflection on the quality that the farmer wants to produce and the patience it takes to wait longer and care for the pearls in that time.
• High luster indicates quality and enhances the pearl's color depth
Shape: This is such a personal choice!! Pauline and I just had a discussion on what we love in pearls, and it's amazing to see how it varies. A perfectly round pearl is one of the hardest shapes as you need perfect positioning of the nucleus and consistent nacre layers.
• Round pearls are traditionally most valuable
• Consider baroque shapes, as they are irregular and non-spherical and one of a kind!
• Choose based on your personal style and intended use
Surface Quality: I've noticed that lLines and pit marks can be overlooked when you are using multiple pearls, or depending on the placement of the pearl when you set it. The pearls can't help it!! They were born that way :). The lines are from interruptions and changes inside and outside the shell that affect the nacre process, or from the pearl moving around in the oyster.
• Examine for blemishes or imperfections
• Some character marks are natural, but fewer blemishes generally mean higher value
Size: Typical range: 8mm to 18mm. I found this to be amazing, when I saw the implant process of the nucleus into the oyster. The size of the pearl largely depends on the size of the nucleus inserted and the time the pearl spends developing inside the oyster. Larger pearls usually indicate a longer growth period, which allows for more layers of nacre to form, resulting in bigger, more lustrous pearls. Watching this cultivation process and seeing the precision and patience required to produce high-quality pearls was mind-blowing!!!
• Larger pearls are rarer and pricier
• Select a size that complements your style and budget
Nacre Thickness: This can be the hardest for a new buyer to discern, as you are already focusing on so many other aspects, that I sometimes also get distracted, but one thing to start focusing on when you hold the pearls is the WEIGHT of the bead. Thicker nacre generally means the pearl will be heavier and more durable. It also contributes to the pearl’s luster and overall appearance. Heavier pearls often indicate a thicker nacre layer, which is a sign of quality and longevity.
• Thicker nacre results in more durable pearls with better luster
• Avoid pearls with visible nucleus or chalky appearance
We love pearls!! And we hope this helps you love them even more! See our Tahitian Pearl Collection HERE
