Parented by a rare black-lipped oyster (Pinctada Margaritafera, also known as “Te Ufi”), the “Black Pearl” is cultured mainly in the atoll lagoons of French Polynesia.  One of the most unique aspects of this oyster is the natural dark colors of its pearls. Most "black" Tahitian pearls are not actually black, but are instead silver, charcoal, or a multitude of colors from midnight black to pewter and even a pale silvery-gray, with overtones of iridescent green, azur blue, violet silvery-rose and copper. Typically all these pearls come with some degree green hue. Truly black pearls are among the most beautiful pearls in the world, and are extremely rare. While some Tahitian pearls are round and symmetrical, many are “circled” with distinctive nacre ridging. 8mm to 18mm is the usual size, making this one of the larger cultured pearls. The largest Tahitian pearl ever found was 25 mm in diameter. These pearls can be very large because the black lipped oysters grow to be as large as 14" across and to be 10 pounds in weight.

Until the mid-1960s they were almost unknown and they’ve remained one of the world’s most exotic pearls.  In mythology, the Tahitian Pearl was the gift of light by the Creator to Tane, the God of harmony and beauty.  Greatly prized by royalty, it came to be called the “Pearl of Queens” and “Queen of Pearls”.Natural Black Tahitian pearls are extremely rare since only one out of about 10,000 oysters contains a pearl.

The black lipped oyster was nearly harvested to extinction in the early 1900's. These oysters were in high demand primarily for the Mother of Pearl which is part of the oyster shell. Fortunately, the Black Lipped oyster was rescued and is now raised in sea farms in French Polynesia. Black Tahitian pearls are cultured in these oysters on pearl farms in the atolls of French Polynesia. Most of these pearl farms are in the Tuamoto and Gambier island groups. The shape, color, and luster of these certified cultured Black Tahitian pearls are natural.

Pearl History 101

History of Pearls | A Fabulous Past in Fashion | The First Cultured Pearls | About Pearls

Cultured Pearl Types

Akoya | South Sea | Tahitian | Keshi & Mabe | Freshwater

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