The Tahitian pearl, otherwise known as the black pearl, is extremely rare. This coveted gem comes to us from the mollusk Pinctada margaritifera in French Polynesia. Tahitian pearls vary widely in color, from pearlescent peacock and green to deep eggplant and black. Knowing a little bit about this sought-after pearl will help you make an informed decision when shopping for these unique gems.


With a wide variety of black Tahitian pearls farmed each year in Tahiti, you might be left with a number of questions if you are shopping for a Tahitian pearl necklace, earring or ring. To begin with, just how much are black Tahitian pearls worth? Are black pearls valuable? Are they natural color? How can you ensure that you are buying the finest quality pearls that are truly worth their stated price? To answer your questions, we've created a simple five-step process that will teach you everything you ever wanted to know about black pearl quality, value and more.


Your first step is to learn how to identify the quality of Tahitian pearls. After completing the five-step quality guide course below, you'll know how to identify quality pearls, what the most valuable black pearls are and how to identify them.

1. Step 1: LEARN ABOUT SHAPE - Many components affect a Tahitian pearl's value, especially its shape. Common shapes include round, pear, drop, button and baroque.


2. Step 2: LEARN ABOUT COLOR -  One of the most spectacular things about these pearls is their color. Explore the range of colors, including grey, black, green and blue.


3. STEP 3: LEARN ABOUT SIZE - As with any precious gem, size is a major consideration when it comes to valuating Tahitian pearls.


4. STEP 4: LEARN ABOUT QUALITY - Is your Tahitian pearl flawed? Knowing a bit about how these pearls are graded will help you decide.


5. STEP 5: LEARN ABOUT PRODUCTS - Make sure that you're buying high-quality, authentic Tahitian pearls from a reputable dealer like American Pearl.