Tahitian pearl jewelry FAQ
Learn about Tahitian pearl jewelry, from how Tahitian pearls are grown in French Polynesia to their natural colors, quality, grading, value and care. Discover what makes these pearls unique, how to choose high quality Tahitian pearls and what to look for when shopping for Tahitian pearl necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings and other jewelry.
About Tahitian Pearls
Are Tahitian pearls real pearls?
Yes. Tahitian pearls are cultured pearls grown in the lagoons of French Polynesia. Their beautiful colors occur naturally and do not need to be dyed, irradiated or artificially color enhanced.
At Te Hotu Mana Creations, we specialize in natural color Tahitian pearls sourced directly from French Polynesia.
How can you tell if a Tahitian pearl is real?
Tahitian pearls have beautiful depth, luster and natural variations in color, shape, size and surface characteristics. Because pearls are created by nature, no two are exactly alike.
Imitation pearls often have a very uniform appearance, while cultured Tahitian pearls may show subtle differences in their surface, color and reflections.
Purchasing from a knowledgeable and reputable pearl seller is one of the best ways to know what you are buying.
Are Tahitian pearls naturally black?
Tahitian pearls are often called black pearls, but they are rarely truly black.
Their natural body colors and overtones can include charcoal, silver, green, peacock, blue, pistachio, aubergine, copper and many other beautiful combinations.
One of the things we love most about Tahitian pearls is that every pearl has its own natural character and color.
Where do your Tahitian pearls come from?
Our Tahitian pearls are sourced directly from French Polynesia, where we lived for many years and where our family has deep connections.
We personally select our pearls for their luster, natural color, shape, surface quality and overall beauty before incorporating them into our jewelry.
Are Tahitian pearls from the island of Tahiti?
Not necessarily. Despite their name, Tahitian pearls are cultivated throughout French Polynesia on islands and atolls far beyond Tahiti itself.
Many Tahitian pearl farms are located in the remote lagoons of the Tuamotu and Gambier archipelagos.
The name Tahitian pearl refers to this distinctive type of cultured pearl from French Polynesia rather than meaning that every pearl was grown on the island of Tahiti.
Do you dye or treat your Tahitian pearls?
No. We specialize in natural color Tahitian pearls.
Our pearls are not dyed, irradiated or artificially color enhanced. The remarkable greens, silvers, blues, peacocks, aubergines and other shades you see occur naturally during the formation of the pearl.
What is the difference between Tahitian pearls and freshwater pearls?
Tahitian pearls and freshwater pearls are produced by different mollusks and have very different characteristics.
Tahitian pearls are cultivated in saltwater in French Polynesia and are known for their naturally dark body colors, beautiful overtones, impressive luster and larger sizes.
Freshwater pearls are grown in freshwater mussels and are produced primarily in China. They are generally more abundant and commonly occur in lighter shades such as white, cream, pink and lavender.
Many dark or black freshwater pearls available on the market achieve their color through dyeing or other treatments. Tahitian pearls naturally develop their distinctive darker colors and colorful overtones.
Tahitian Pearl Quality and Value
What makes a Tahitian pearl valuable?
Several characteristics determine the quality and value of a Tahitian pearl, including luster, surface quality, size, shape, color and rarity.
Exceptional luster is especially important. Size and rarity can also significantly influence value, particularly when a large pearl combines beautiful natural color with high luster and excellent surface quality.
Ultimately, beauty is also personal. Sometimes the pearl that immediately catches your eye is the right pearl for you.
Are Tahitian pearls rare?
High quality Tahitian pearls can be exceptionally rare, particularly in larger sizes and unusual natural colors.
Growing a beautiful pearl takes considerable time and care, and not every oyster successfully produces a pearl suitable for fine jewelry. Of the pearls harvested, only a portion will have an exceptional combination of luster, surface quality, size, shape and color.
Larger pearls with exceptional luster and beautiful natural colors become increasingly difficult to find.
What is the rarest Tahitian pearl color?
There is no single color that is always the rarest because availability varies from harvest to harvest.
Vibrant peacock, intense green, blue and unusual multicolor combinations can be highly sought after. Pearls displaying beautiful rose, cherry, copper or aubergine overtones may also be particularly desirable.
For us, rarity is not only about the name of a color. The intensity, depth and combination of colors can make an individual pearl truly unique.
What is the most important factor when buying a Tahitian pearl?
Luster is one of the most important characteristics to consider.
A high luster Tahitian pearl reflects light sharply and appears bright and vibrant. A smaller pearl with exceptional luster can often be much more beautiful than a larger pearl with dull reflections.
Surface quality is also very important to us. Pearls are created by nature and may have natural marks, small pits, ridges or other surface characteristics. Generally, the cleaner the surface, the higher the quality, although some natural characteristics can also give a pearl its individual personality.
We look at the pearl as a whole, considering its luster, surface, color, shape and overall beauty rather than choosing it based on a single characteristic.
How are Tahitian pearls graded?
Tahitian pearl quality is evaluated using characteristics such as surface quality, luster, shape, size and color.
Surface grading considers the amount and location of natural imperfections visible on the pearl. Higher quality pearls have cleaner surfaces combined with strong luster.
It is important to remember that grading systems can vary between sellers and markets. This is why we prefer to show and describe our pearls as accurately as possible rather than relying only on a letter grade.
What is pearl luster?
Luster describes the way light reflects from the surface of a pearl.
A high luster pearl has bright, sharp reflections and a beautiful sense of depth. Lower luster pearls appear softer or duller.
When we personally select Tahitian pearls, luster is one of the first characteristics we look at.
Why are Tahitian pearls expensive?
Tahitian pearls require considerable time, skill and care to cultivate. Pearl farming takes place in the lagoons of French Polynesia, and not every oyster will successfully produce a high quality pearl.
After harvest, pearls are evaluated according to characteristics such as luster, surface quality, color, size and shape.
Large Tahitian pearls with exceptional luster, clean surfaces and beautiful natural colors represent only a portion of a harvest, which contributes to their value.
What is nacre?
Nacre is the natural material produced by the oyster that forms the pearl. It is also the material commonly known as mother of pearl when found on the inner shell of certain mollusks.
The quality of the nacre plays an important role in a pearl’s beauty, luster and durability.
What sizes do Tahitian pearls come in?
Tahitian pearls are available in many sizes, with approximately 8mm to 18mm being a common range seen in jewelry. Occasionally, exceptional pearls can grow even larger.
Pearls above 12mm have a noticeable presence, while beautiful pearls measuring 15mm and above become increasingly difficult to find.
Size is only one factor in determining quality. Luster, surface, shape and color are equally important when selecting a beautiful Tahitian pearl.
Shopping for Tahitian Pearl Jewelry
What types of Tahitian pearl jewelry do you offer?
We create a wide variety of Tahitian pearl jewelry including necklaces, pendants, earrings, bracelets, bangles, rings, anklets, chokers, pearl strands and Tahitian keshi jewelry.
Our collection ranges from simple pearl designs to one of a kind statement pieces featuring exceptional pearls.
Will I receive the exact Tahitian pearl shown in the photos?
For many of our designs, yes. We love giving our customers the opportunity to choose the actual pearl that speaks to them.
Because every Tahitian pearl has its own natural color, shape and characteristics, many of our one of a kind pieces feature the exact pearl you will receive.
Some designs are made using a selection of similar pearls rather than the individual pearl photographed. When this applies, it will be clearly stated in the product description.
We carefully select each pearl to match the quality, size and overall appearance represented in the listing.
What size Tahitian pearl should I choose?
The best size depends on the look you prefer.
Pearls around 8mm to 9mm offer a more subtle and classic appearance. Pearls around 10mm to 12mm have more presence while remaining very versatile. Pearls above 12mm make a stronger statement and become increasingly rare as their size increases.
Rather than choosing based on size alone, we recommend considering luster, color, shape and how the pearl makes you feel.
What is a Tahitian pearl pendant?
A Tahitian pearl pendant features one or more Tahitian pearls suspended from a necklace.
Our pendants range from simple designs that allow the natural beauty of the pearl to take center stage to more detailed pieces inspired by Hawaiian, Tahitian and Polynesian culture.
What are Tahitian keshi pearls?
Tahitian keshi pearls are non nucleated pearls that form during the pearl cultivation process. Because they do not contain a bead nucleus, they are composed entirely of nacre.
Keshi pearls are loved for their organic shapes, beautiful luster and individuality. No two are exactly alike, making them especially beautiful for unique jewelry designs.
What is a Tahitian pearl strand?
A Tahitian pearl strand is a necklace composed of multiple Tahitian pearls selected to complement one another.
Creating a beautiful strand requires carefully matching pearls according to size, shape, luster, color and overall harmony. Some strands are closely matched while others intentionally celebrate the natural variations of Tahitian pearls.
How do I choose a Tahitian pearl necklace?
Start by considering the style you enjoy wearing and the presence you want the pearl to have.
A single Tahitian pearl pendant offers a simple way to showcase an individual pearl, while a choker or full pearl strand creates a more substantial look.
Consider pearl size, natural color, luster, necklace length and metal when choosing your piece. Most importantly, choose a pearl or necklace that you are naturally drawn to.
Do Tahitian pearls make a good gift?
Absolutely. Tahitian pearl jewelry makes a meaningful gift for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, Mother’s Day, weddings and other important milestones.
Because every pearl is naturally unique, Tahitian pearl jewelry can feel especially personal.
Do you offer matching Tahitian pearl jewelry?
Yes. Many of our designs can be paired with complementary earrings, bracelets, rings, pendants or necklaces.
Because our pearls are naturally colored, exact matching depends on availability. Contact us if you would like help finding pieces that complement one another.
Why choose Te Hotu Mana Creations for Tahitian pearl jewelry?
Te Hotu Mana Creations is a husband and wife business born from our love for Hawaii, Tahiti and the cultures that have shaped our family.
After living in Tahiti for many years, Tahitian pearls became much more than beautiful gems to us. They are part of our connection to French Polynesia and the islands we call home.
We source our pearls directly from French Polynesia and personally select them for their luster, natural color, shape and overall beauty.
Our jewelry combines Tahitian pearls with designs inspired by Hawaii, Tahiti and Polynesian culture. Many pieces are created in very small quantities or as one of a kind designs, allowing the natural individuality of each pearl to remain at the heart of the jewelry.
Are Tahitian pearls a good investment?
Most people purchase Tahitian pearls for their beauty, meaning and enjoyment rather than as a financial investment.
Exceptional pearls with outstanding luster, unusual natural colors, larger sizes and excellent surface quality can remain highly desirable, but pearls should not be viewed as a guaranteed financial investment.
A beautiful Tahitian pearl can, however, become a treasured piece of jewelry that is enjoyed and passed from one generation to the next.
Tahitian Pearl Care and Durability
Are Tahitian pearls good for everyday wear?
Tahitian pearls can be worn regularly, but they require more care than harder gemstones.
Pearls are organic gems composed of layers of nacre. Over time, friction from skin, clothing and other jewelry, along with exposure to perspiration, cosmetics and chemicals, can gradually affect their surface and luster.
Pearl earrings generally experience less friction than necklaces, bracelets and rings and can therefore be a good choice for frequent wear.
Apply perfume, lotions, sunscreen and hairspray before putting on your pearl jewelry. After wearing your pearls, gently wipe them with a soft cloth and store them separately from harder jewelry.
With proper care, Tahitian pearls can remain beautiful for generations.
How long do Tahitian pearls last?
With proper care, Tahitian pearls can last for generations.
Because pearls are organic gems, their longevity depends greatly on how they are worn, cleaned and stored. Protecting them from harsh chemicals, excessive friction and abrasive surfaces will help preserve their nacre and luster.
How should I clean Tahitian pearl jewelry?
After wearing your pearls, gently wipe them with a clean, soft cloth.
If additional cleaning is needed, use a soft damp cloth and then allow the jewelry to dry completely before storing it.
Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners and ultrasonic jewelry cleaners.
Can I wear Tahitian pearls in the ocean or swimming pool?
We recommend removing your Tahitian pearl jewelry before swimming.
Chlorine, salt water, sunscreen and other chemicals can affect pearls as well as the metals, adhesives, stringing materials and other components used in jewelry.
Removing your jewelry before entering the ocean or pool is the safest way to protect it.
How should I store Tahitian pearls?
Store your Tahitian pearl jewelry separately from harder gemstones and metals that could scratch the pearl’s surface.
A soft jewelry pouch or lined jewelry box is ideal. Avoid tossing pearl jewelry into a container with other pieces where they can rub against one another.
Jewelry Materials and Ordering
What metals do you use?
Depending on the design, our jewelry is available in sterling silver, rhodium plated sterling silver, heavy 18k gold vermeil, stainless steel and solid 18k gold.
The materials used for each piece are clearly identified in its product description.
What is gold vermeil?
Gold vermeil, pronounced ver may, is a premium jewelry finish consisting of a substantial layer of gold applied over a sterling silver base.
In the United States, jewelry sold as vermeil must meet specific requirements regarding the base metal, gold purity and thickness of the gold layer.
Our heavy 18k gold vermeil jewelry combines the beauty and warmth of 18k gold with a sterling silver base and offers substantially more gold coverage than typical gold plated jewelry.
Do you ship Tahitian pearl jewelry internationally?
Yes. We ship our Tahitian pearl jewelry to many destinations around the world.
International customers are responsible for any applicable customs duties, taxes or import fees charged by their destination country.
How can I contact Te Hotu Mana Creations?
You can contact us directly through our website or connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
We are always happy to help you choose a Tahitian pearl, find the right piece of jewelry or answer questions about our designs.
Follow Te Hotu Mana Creations on social media to discover new arrivals, one of a kind pearls and glimpses of our life and inspiration in Hawaii and French Polynesia.