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Origin of Tahiti Cultured Pearls

Better known throughout the world as Tahitian Pearls, Tahiti Cultured Pearls are indigenous to
the lagoons of French Polynesia in the South Seas.

This series of coral islands lies in the middle of the South Pacific, halfway between Australia
and South America.

The biological role of the oyster in the creation of a pearl

Oysters have developed a perfectly natural defense system against any foreign intruder. Helped by their mantle (which covers their flesh like a skin) they have an elegant defensive reaction if the intruder is none other than mineral or organic, isolated by a layer of pure nacre. The resulting pearl that is born is therefore the result of the most elegant protective mechanism ever conceived by a living being against an outside aggressor.
In the wild, nature implants a nucleus which, over time, will become the centre of a South Sea pearl. This nucleus is usually a shell fragment, sometimes a burrowing insect or parasite.

Unable to get rid of the uninvited guest, the oyster encloses the intruder in a membrane or pearl sac. Then, nacre, which is the lining of the shell, forms around the nucleus, layer by layer creating a pearl unique in its shape, size and color.

Tahitian cultured pearls are grown by carefully implanting a round ball of polished freshwater mussel shell which becomes the nucleus of a cultured pearl. Naturally occurring South Sea pearls are virtually unknown on the world market today.

Technically, it takes about one year to raise and condition the oyster until ready for the seeding operation and then 18 month until the pearl is fully mature and ready to be harvested. Statistically, for 100 oysters seeded, about 70% will survive the operation and only half of those will bear a pearl. On a typical pearl harvest only 20% will be classified as B quality or AA1 and 5 % will be of Gem quality AAA .

"We don't have control over what the shell does with the pearl itself. It decides what colour it's going to produce. It decides if it's going to produce fine nacre or coarse. And if the rainbow of colours are in the pearl or not. We control what we do but nature controls the rest!"

Why are Tahitian Pearls colored?

The lagoon's variety of colors is found inside the oyster in the pearl sack, still called "skin" by specialists.

The varying colors of Tahitian pearls have two origins:

  • A biochemical origin that is pigmentary and determined by the oyster's chromosomal properties.
  • A purely physical luminous origin dependent on the phenomenon of light diffraction and refraction on the pearl.

The combination of these two variables produces the colors as well as the iridescent and transparent effects visible in certain Tahitian pearls.

What factors influence Pearl colors?

The main factors influencing the colors of Tahitian cultured pearls are: Nature's feeding of the oyster with plankton found in the lagoon, the host oyster itself and the knowledge of the grafter.

Pearl Value

The price of pearls in general depends first on their origin, their production time, the conditions and difficulties involved in their culturing, the quantity produced and the demand. The price rises in relationship to the more difficult a pearl is to produce, the more production time required and the pearl's rarity. For pearls that fall into the same category, the price varies according to size, shape and color. But the most important quality is the perfection of the layer of nacre covering each pearl. This determines a pearl's luster and orient.

Determining the prices of Tahitian cultured pearls is difficult and complicated because it depends on different criteria:

  • The quality of the pearl (surface, lustre, orient, nacre layer thickness)
  • The pearl size
  • The pearl shape
  • The pearl colour

Generally speaking, the going price for a Tahitian cultured pearl depends very much on its rarity.

The pearl, eternal, immortal, timeless...

Is a Pearl alive? This gem lives a truly alchemical relationship with a person skin. Osmosis, exchanges, sensitive to humidity, it is never more beautiful than when it is being worn. A pearl can live for centuries if it is properly cared for.

Is a Pearl fragile? On a scale of 1 to 10, the pearl would be a 3 in terms of fragility if one is referring to its hardness. By comparison a 10 is a diamond, the hardest of precious stones. The pearl can be scratched by a precious stone. That is why a pearl should be stored by itself in a soft jewel sack. Because of their aragonite (carbonate) surface and calcite (calcium) interior, Tahitian pearls are sensitive to acids and corrosive substances. A pearl should never come in contact with cleaning fluids, perfumes or acidic products and should not be worn when entering a swimming pool.

Can a Pearl die? A pearl can become tarnished and crack if it is exposed to a too strong source of heat or if it is kept for years under too dry conditions, such as in sealed plastic sack or in a safe.

What kind of care should be given a Pearl? Since Tahitian pearls are meant to be worn, they require very little care. In order to preserve its beauty and luster, a pearl should just be wiped with a soft cloth.

The pearl is the combined work of Environment and Man, of Nature and Craftsmanship, the perfect Luxury...