South Sea pearls are divided into two main categories: bright and dark.
A mussel called 'Pinctada maxima' is used to cultivate the brighter shades. According to the shells stunning size -Pinctada maxima can weigh up to 5 kilogramms - a respectively large pearl can grow inside.
Black South Sea Tahitians are cultivated in a mussel called Pinctada margaritifera. Due to the species outstanding qualities, Tahiti’s dark pearl production is considered as the world’s best.
Contrary to freshwater and saltwater pearls, only one nucleus per mussel can be implanted. Many live oysters reject their irritant though. Risky business for pearl farmers caring for the sensitive mussels. Only a small percentage of harvested South Sea pearls will be perfectly round.
Those black tahitian pearls come in beautiful colours: bright silver, shading to dark gold, a variety of pink, cream, champagne, yellow, green and blue.
Furthermore, pitch-black, iridescent peacock-overtones, darker shades of green, blue, brown, red and yellow may occur.
Black tahitian pearls achieve a top-price level worldwide. For an immaculate pearl necklace you will have to spare a small fortune. "Black is beautiful" when it comes to Tahitian pearls. The darkest colours are the most valuable.
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