The
size Larger than the japenese pearls, the tahitian black pearls can attain impressive dimensions. The peal oysters produce pearls with an average diameter of nine to ten millimeters. Pearls larger than 11,5 mm are much more rare. Those that go beyond 15 mm are exceptional.
Color
There is a certain relationship between the color of a pearl and the color of the nacre's manteau. The tahitian black pearls are not all of a very dark color. the color of référence, "black", grades out through all the nuances of gray to grays so pale that they are nearly white. From this "basic black" is derived all the variety that so enhances the charm of the black pearls of tahiti. ther do not exist two identical black pearls, anywhere in the world. The glints of color can vary from a metallic gray to gold. the splendid spectrum between encompasses pink, green, peacock green, eggplant, bronze. Occasionally, a mix of all or nearly all the color offers a rainbow. Eggplant (deep pink) and wing of fly (metallic green) are two shades that are much sought. Here again, appreciation and choice are above all, matters of personal preference.
At the time of formation of the pearl, the nacreous layers are laid on, one over the other. the orient of the pearl depends on the quality of these layers. The orient is the play of light, deep among the layers of nacre, in a sense the source of its radiance. It is the manner in which the nacre reflects and diffuses the light through the crystals of nacre secreted around the nucleus. The orient is an indicator of a pearl of high quality. the lustre is the reflexion of light from the periphery of the pearl. It defines its brillance on the surface. It is the glitter of the pearl.
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