Tahitian and South Sea Pearls
Tahitian and South Sea Pearls
Some of the most beautiful pearls in the world are the cultured pearls that come from warm, tropical waters—Tahitian pearls from French Polynesia, including the islands surrounding Tahiti, and South Sea pearls from the waters around Australia, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
South Sea and Tahitian pearls are cultured on pearl farms, where a small bead is carefully inserted into a pearl-producing oyster to trigger pearl formation. Over two to three years, the oyster coats the bead with thousands of layers of nacre, which is the smooth, iridescent substance that mollusks layer around an irritant to form a pearl. Once they reach the desired size, the pearls are gently harvested.
Though both Tahitian and South Sea pearls are saltwater and grown in similar tropical waters, their appearance is distinctly different.
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Tahitian pearls are best known for their natural gray, black, and peacock tones—colors that symbolize dignity, wisdom, self-control, and focus. Their rich hues come from the Pinctada margaritifera or Black Lip oyster in which they grow.
Freshwater pearls can be dyed or treated to mimic these shades, nevertheless, Tahitian pearls have the most value, particularly if they are perfectly round.
The above natural gray Tahitian Circle earrings are a perfect match to the previously featured Circle Pendant.
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While Tahitian pearls are found in the cool color spectrum, South Sea pearls are typically creamy or golden in color.
This South Sea pearl, suspended in a pendant of reticulated silver and enhanced with touches of gold fill, is a perfect example of the warm golden colors found in these pearls.
Formed In the Pinctada maxima, White Lip or Silver Lip oysters. South Sea pearls are known for their large size, often measuring 10mm - 20mm in size, with an uncommon deep luster, a result of the many, many layers of nacre.
Most pearls on the market today are cultured, including both Freshwater and Saltwater, wild pearls do exist—though they are rare and highly valued.
Accessorizing with Pearls adds a quiet and elegant beauty to your style. Whether it's the deep tones of the Tahitian or the soft glow of South Sea pearls, these treasures are shaped by time, care, and nature.
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Tres Elegante Pearl Collection
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