Are You Looking for Tahitian Pearls? Find Out What Is Most Important
Selecting a Tahitian pearl necklaces requires you to consider many different factors. The first and most obvious are the color and shape of the pearls, which can vary significantly. Although they are called black Tahitian pearls, there are numerous different color combinations. There are also many different shapes, not just the round shape that most people associate with pearls. Baroque, semi-baroque, round and semi-round are other options, and they can all be found in varying sizes. However, perhaps the most important part in choosing Tahitian pearls is looking at their nacre thickness.
All pearls have a nacre, which can be best described as a protective coating that grows around the pearl as it is growing inside the oyster. The longer the pearl is in the oyster, the larger the nacre around the pearl will be. With respect to the nacre, the main difference between regular pearls and black Tahitian pearls is the thickness of this nacre. This protective coating grows much quicker around Tahitian pearls, and therefore is much thicker when the pearl is removed from the oyster. Statistics-wise, the nacre of a Tahitian pearl is comprised about 50% of the pearl’s total area, whereas traditional pearls have a nacre thickness that is about 33% of the total area. For a Tahitian pearl to be sold, it must have a nacre of at least 0.8mm. Anything less in considered poor quality.
The nacre’s main function is to protect the pearl, and therefore a thick covering is very important. A thin one can wear down quickly, and lead to the pearl’s decay. However, the this protective coating serves a bigger purpose than just protection. A thick nacre is what gives a pearl its beautiful iridescent look. Without it, this iridescence would not exist, and the pearl would lost part of its beauty.
As you can see, the pearl’s nacre thickness is extremely important when you are looking at purchasing a piece of Tahitian pearl jewelry. It is for these reasons it is often considered the most important part of the pearl, and therefore is also one of the big determining factors for the price of the pearls. Although pearls with thick nacres tend to be exponentially more expensive, it is worth it in the long run. All you need to do is care for your pearls properly, and they will last for various lifetimes. They can be passed down from generation to generation, and become a family heirloom.
Have all of your Tahitian pearl questions answered at http://tahitianpearlnecklace.info/. Everything from how to care for Tahitian pearls to how to select the perfect Tahitian pearl necklace.
Tags: fashion, jewlery, pearls, Tahitian Pearls