Tahiti-Iti Imports Tahitian Black Pearls

Why is the Tahitian pearl black?
Because it is created in the womb of the special black-lipped mollusk found in French Polynesia waters known as the“Pinctada Margaritfera” or black-lip mother-of-pearl. This mollusk naturally secretes a black pigment, which depending on the quantity, gives the resulting pearl a basic color ranging from black to gray.

Where are Tahitian cultured pearls found?
They are cultivated in pearl farms in the lagoons of the Tuamotu-Gambier Archipelago, a sprawling group of atolls and islands in French Polynesia.

What do the living mother-of pearls eat while creating cultured pearls?
Plankton, the microscopic animal and plant life found floating or drifting in the lagoons where the pearl farms are located.

Is the Tahitian Pearl natural?
Yes and no. It is naturally cultured with man intervening in the
place of nature. Natural pearls as officially defined by the International Confederation of Jewellery, Silverware, Diamonds, Pearls and Stones (CIBJO) are those created without any human intervention.

Are Tahitian Pearls tinted?
Absolutely not!! Whatever the color, it is 100% natural. The pearl may end up being white or a variety of shades of gray as well as black, bronze, greenish or purplish.

Do natural pearls still exist?
Yes, in one out of 15,000 pearl oysters!

Where is the Tahitian pearl created?

Inside the reproductive gland of the pearl oyster, which is also known as the pearl pocket.

How are the various shades of Tahitian pearls created?
They result from the decomposition of light as it passes through the Pearl layers, which act as a prism. The layers break up the light the same way as a raindrop does when light passes through it creating a rainbow.

How do I take care of my Tahitian pearl?
It is important to keep in mind that Tahitian cultured pearls are produced by a living organism. They contain calcareous crystals that are sensitive to chemicals and acids. They also contain protein and water and may crack and dry out if not properly taken care of.

Pearls are not as hard as precious stones so they should not be stored in direct contact with other pieces of jewelry, which might scratch them.

Also to be avoided is contact between the pearls and dishwashing liquid and acidic products, such as hair spray, perfume, vinegar and lemon juice.

Cleaning your pearls
Cleaning pearls is not complicated. After you wear them just wipe them off with a soft cloth or chamois, which may be damp or dry. This will prevent dirt from accumulating and keep perspiration, which is slightly acidic, from eating away at the pearl nacre. You may even polish them with a soft cloth containing a drop of olive oil so that they maintain their luster and do not dry out.

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Tahiti-Iti Imports
P.O. Box 67, Orting, WA 98360
ph: 888-481-4835 | fx: 360-897-2929