Tahitian Pearl Earrings: Their Charm
There are many different types of pearls used in the manufacture of earrings, but not one of the may come very close to the beauty, rarity, and charm of the Tahitian pearl earrings.
Tahitian Pearl Earring: Truly One of a Kind
Contrary to popular belief, the pearls used as Tahitian earrings do not come from Tahiti but in French Polynesia. In fact, there are no pearl farms in Tahiti at all.
There are two ways on how to produce natural pearls. First, allow the oysters to produce the pearls on their own and harvest the best ones. This does not have any kind of human intervention.
The other is through a culture process. The oysters still come up with the pearls, but farm owners may induce them to do so. The owners, moreover, have more control on the quality and quantity of the pearls.
The Tahitian pearl earrings are from cultured pearls. Farm owners make use of an oyster called Pinctada margaritifera, which is know for its black lips where the pearls develop. These types of oysters can be very huge, which mean a typical Tahiti pearl is also very big.
How They Look Like
If you are going to scour the market today, you will find that black Tahitian pearl earrings are very common. After all, black is the most typical shade of a Tahiti pearl. However, it is also not possible to find chocolate Tahitian pearl earrings and other shades such as purple, green, blue, and silver. It really depends on how the pearls were cultured.
You may also find gold Tahitian pearl earrings. These are still made of Tahiti pearls, but they are coated with a particular kind of gold, either yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold. The coating of gold gives the pearl a different type of luster or shine, as well as and added value.
Knowing the Worth of the Tahitian Pearl Earrings
Like diamonds, there are ways on how to grade or measure the value or worth of the Tahiti pearls. Actually, there are two known methods. The AAA-A system, which is of Kokichi Mikimoto, and the Tahitian system or the A-D system. Both are currently being in use by jewelers, especially those in the United States. Moreover, the system of Tahiti pearls is similar to that of South Sea pearls.
Of course to grade the pearls, there should be standards. These include the shape, color, luster, and surface. The most ideal or perfect Tahiti pearl will be the one who has the following attributes.
First, the surface offers the highest form of reflection. It bounces forth light, allowing the pearl to shine or sparkle when worn. The surface, moreover, should be free of any spot. However, it would be very rare occurrence. Thus, just opt for the one with the least number of spots possible.
As mentioned, black is the famous and most common color of the Tahiti pearl and the one preferred by many. The shape should be round. It is also acceptable to possess a slightly round Tahiti pearl.
