TAHITIAN
Pearl Shapes
Lustrous Tahitians are best known for their large, round and dark pearls. However less than 40% are round. Their shapes from symmetrical to baroque are also prized. As these pearls are significantly larger, each of the shape's differences are more pronounced. In addition it takes approximately five years from collection to pearl harvesting, As a result, each pearl is valued greatly.
Round Tahitian Pearls
The most famous is the large and very round Tahitian pearl. These are most prized by collectors.
Off-Round Tahitian Pearls
The next shape is the off-round pearl. These can seem round to the first or fast glance. However, on closer examination the off-roundness can be detected.
Pearl Grading Page
Drop Tahitian Pearls
The size of the pearl also does effect the value. A larger pearl with similar other value factors will be more valuable than a smaller one. However, there is a size range where values increase exponentially. Tahitian pearls average between 10mm to 11mm. As a result, pearls at or under that size range are more readily available. When the size range increases to 11mm to 12mm and subsequent 12mm to 13mm and greater than 13mm ranges, the value increases dramatically. The largest on record as of 1998 is 26.95mm.
Pearl Grading Page
Baroque Tahitian Pearls
Cultured Tahitians are nucleated with round beads. However, only about 40% are round and an additional 20% are symmetrical. As a result, the rounder the pearl, the more valuable it is.
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Circled Tahitian Pearls
Existing rules maintain that Tahitian cultured pearl nacre must at minimum an average of 0.8mm over the entire pearl. This means that the vast majority of the cultured pearls will have good nacre covering.
Pearl Grading Page
Tahitian Matching
As each individual Tahitian pearl can take five to six years to grow from oyster spat to pearl harvest, matching is a very important factor. To find just two to match for earrings requires sorting through thousands of pearls. As a result, a well matched necklace or jewelry set is highly valued. The pearls should not be exactly the same but with only a slight variance and pleasing in color. There should be no obvious differences or anomalies.