Why are Tahitian pearls so expensive?

Tahitian pearls are far more rare than say an Akoya or Freshwater pearl. This rarity combined with the dramatic colouration and quality of Tahitian pearls makes them more valuable

Are Tahitian cultured pearls from Tahiti?

No. The location of the regulatory body for cultured Tahitian pearls is located in Tahiti; however they are farmed in French Polynesia.

What is the difference between AAA quality and TOP GEM quality Tahitian pearls?

AAA quality is a reference to the GIA grading scale and TOP GEM is a reference to the farm grade. If you review the grading scales table on our Tahitian Pearl Quality & Grading page you'll clearly see the correlation between the two.

What sizes are available in Tahitian pearls?

Tahitian pearls are most commonly cultured from about 8mm up to 16mm, though larger pearls do occur.

Are Tahitian pearls dyed?

Tahitian pearls naturally range in colour from very light to the deepest black. They are in a rare group of naturally occurring black pearls. The very dark black Tahitians are more rare than other body colours and some pearl processors do dye their Tahitians to appear black - Select Pearls however does not sell died Tahitians. Further, any process that alters a pearls' natural state should be revealed to a consumer when they are making a buying decision.

What is a baroque Tahitian pearl?

Baroque is a reference to the shape of a free-form or irregularly shaped pearl.