Tahitian pearl

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Tahitian pearls in bulk

The Tahitian pearl (or black pearl) is an organic gem formed from the black lip oyster (Pinctada margaritifera-cumingi).[1]

Description

The culturing process involves an expert grafter, who inserts a bead made from a mollusk shell into the gonad, or reproductive organ, of the mature Pinctada margaritafera mollusk. It takes two years for an oyster to mature enough to begin producing pearls. Inserted with the bead is a piece of mantle tissue from a donor mollusk, which influences the color of the pearl being produced and provides epithelial cells to ensure that the oyster produces nacre around the nucleus. The materials used in the process are organic, to decrease the probability of the oyster rejecting the nucleus.[1] The shell is sanded and rounded to form the bead, so the pearls produced have a rounder shape. The whole process takes place quickly, because oysters cannot survive very long out of water.[2] The cultured Tahitian pearl comes in various shapes, sizes, and colors; shapes include round, semi-round, button, circle, oval, teardrop, semi-baroque and baroque.[3] Because of their darker hues, Tahitian pearls are commonly known as "black pearls".[4] However, Tahitian pearls have the ability to contain various undertones and overtones of green, pink, blue, silver and yellow. All (or any combination) of these colors may be seen in a cultured Tahitian pearl. Due to the variety of shapes and colors of the Tahitian pearl, it has been known to fit in any jewelry setting.[5] The versatility and mixture of color give it its value.
A ring built around a Tahitian pearl

As an export

The Tahitian pearl is French Polynesia’s largest export, making up over 55 percent of the country's annual exports of 20 million dollars.[2] The cultured Tahitian pearl farms are located in the blue lagoons of the Tuamotu-Gambier Archipelago, which is one of the five archipelagos which make up French Polynesia (Tahiti is the main archipelago).[6]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Newman, Renee. Pearl Buying Guide. "Black Pearls." Los Angeles: International Jewelry Publications, c2005, p. 73
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Matlins, Antoinette. The Pearl Book. "Tahiti and French Polynesia." Vermont: Gemstone Press, c2008, pp. 104–107
  3. ↑ Newman, Renee. Pearl Buying Guide. "Black Pearls." Los Angeles: International Jewelry Publications, c2005, pp. 76–77
  4. ↑ Stéphane Pouvreau et al., "Ecophysiological model of growth and reproduction of the black pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera: potential applications for pearl farming in French Polynesia". Aquaculture, vol. 186, issues 1–2, pp. 117–144 doi:10.1016/S0044-8486(99)00373-7
  5. ↑ Alden, Nancy. Simply Stunning Jewelry: A Treasury of Projects, Techniques, and Inspiration. "Tahitian Pearl Earrings." New York: Potter Craft, c2009, pp. 161–162
  6. ↑ Southgate, Paul C. The Pearl Oyster. "The Pearl Market." Buena Vista:Elsevier. c2008, pp. 357–361
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