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Tahitian Loose Pearls
Tahitian pearls can be purchased loose and undrilled. If you are thinking of investing in loose pearls it is best to buy large (11mm+) round gem grade pearls as these are flawless and unlikely to ever lose their value because of their rarity. Below you will find a selection of loose pearls available for purchase. You can either purchase one or more of these through our on-line store option or consult the price chart below and email us with a description of the size of pearl you want, grade, colour and shape.
If you intend to set the pearls Tiare has a wide selection of "findings" (settings) in 18ct white or yellow gold (and some in sterling silver). Once you have chosen your pearl from the examples below go to our Findings area to choose your setting. Tiare will drill and assemble your pearl and finding free of charge and post to you within five working days. |
Tahitian Round/Semi-Round Pearls |
Tahitian Semi-Baroque (drop, button, circle) Pearls |
Interpreting the Pearl Chart |
When assessing the value of a pearl the following factors need to be considered:
1. Shape: Pearl shapes fall three main categories: Round, Semi-baroque and Baroque. Round pearls allow for <0.2mm distortion i.e. semi-round. Semi-baroque are non-round pearls but are symettrical and have an even surface. They come in various shapes, including teardrop, pear, button and circled. Baroque pearls are an irregular shape and sometimes uneven surface.
Generally speaking round pearls are 25% more valuable than semi-baroque pearls and 50% more valuable than baroque pearls.
2. Size: Pearl prices tend to increase for each millimetre in diameter. Large pearls of 16mm+ are considered rare and extremely valuable.
3. Lustre and Iridescence: Lustre is the play of light off the surface of the pearl and iridescence is the play of light emanating from the depth of the pearl. A pearl with a high lustre and iridescence is seen by most people as more desirable but may not necessarily affect the value of the pearl.
4. Colour: Pearls can exhibit a hugh range of colours depending on the oyster of origin. Colour is generally a personal decision and can depend on the hair and skin colour of the wearer - lighter shade colours often suit Anglo-Saxons better and darker colours people with olive skin. In Tahiti the colour "peacock green" is seen as very desirable whereas in Australia a silver white pearl with pink or blue undertones is much prized.
Tahitian cultured pearls come in various shapes, including round, semi-round, baroque (irregular shape), semi-baroque (drop, button, oval or pearl shapes), circled and keshi (small irregular shaped pearls with no nucleus). They are graded from Gem quality (perfect) through A, B, C and D grades.
5. Surface Quality: Generally the "cleaner" the surface of the pearl the more valuable it is.
Tiare Black Pearl uses the Tahitian grading system (combined with pearl size and shape) for pricing its pearls:
Gem Quality
Flawless pearl. Excellent lustre.
Category A
Pearl without imperfections on at least 90% of its surface. On the 10% remaining the pearl may exhibit small concentrated flaws and one deep imperfection at most. Minimum very good lustre.
Category B
Pearl without imperfections on at least 70% of its surface. On the 30% remaining the pearl may exhibit slight concentrated flaws and two imperfections at most. Minimum good lustre.
Category C
Pearl without imperfections on at least 40% of its surface. On the 60% remaining the pearl may present slight concentrated flaws and 10% deep imperfections at most. Minimum average lustre.
Category D
Pearl with slight imperfections on over 60% of its surface with 20% deep imperfections and/or white spots at most. Minimum weak lustre. |
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