Better known throughout the world as Black Pearls, cultured Tahitian Pearls are indigenous to the lagoons of French Polynesia in the South Seas. The only pearls in the world that are naturally black, Tahitian Pearls are grown in the large black lipped oyster Pinctada Margaritifera. These saltwater oysters can grow as large as 12 inches in diameter and produce pearls typically ranging in sizes from 8 to 18mm.

Tahitian Pearls are not simply lack?as they are commonly called, but are rather more accurately represented by a rainbow of colors including shades of gray, silver, charcoal, and green just to name a few. Many stories and legends exist in Tahiti to explain how the pearls?iridescent and entrancing colors came to be. The four basic shapes of Tahitian pearls include round, semi-baroque, baroque, and circled. As with other pearl types, rounder pearls exhibiting a high luster with fewer flaws command premium prices. In addition, special color combinations such as peacock carries a higher value because of their rarity.