Tahitian pearls, also known as black pearls, are among the most exotic and sought after gemstones on the market today. Because of their typically dark color these gemstones are also called black pearls even though the color can range from gunmetal grey to silver white and many exotic colors in between including chocolate, baroque green and even peacock. This elusive and unique pearl was first cultivated in 1961 by Jean-Marie Dormand, a Frenchmen responsible for marine resources in French Polynesia.

The first culturing experiments took place in the lagoons of the atoll of Hikueru and Bora Bora islands of French Polynesia. This led to the first harvest in 1965 which resulted in over 1,000 black pearls. The first export of black pearls wasn’t until 1972 but soon the secret was out and by 1996 over $152 million worth of black gems were being shipped out of French Polynesia. Interestingly enough these pearls are not harvested in Tahiti but rather in the rich atolls that make up French Polynesia.

Featuring a rich, brilliant luster and smooth, clean nacre Tahitian pearls are perfect for pendants, necklaces, ear rings and other forms of jewelry. Since being discovered the demand for these rare stones, in particular Tahitian pearls, has increased steadily each year and has forced conservation in the bountiful French Polynesian waters to allow for oyster bed repopulation. When pearls were first discovered by colonists in the 1700′s several prime harvesting sites were quickly dried up due to the dramatic demand for the exotic gems.

Tahitian pearls come from the large black-lip oysters named Pinctada Margaritifera. These oysters are quite small and only a handful will survive the cultivation process and produce a fine gemstone. This makes Tahitian pearls rarer than other highly sought after jewels including Akoya and South Sea varities.

Each black pearl is a one of kinds unique and finding a match for a pair of ear rings can take quite some time. Jewelers and pearl experts often have to sift through hundreds of black pearls to find one that matches another closely enough to be used for ear rings or other fine jewelry.

Because of the rich luster, rarity and storied history Tahitian pearls are one of the most sough after gems on the jewelry market today and you can find terrific pearls on watches, ear rings, necklaces, pendants, cuff links and other decorative trinkets.

Cleaning Your Pearls is important, Firstly, the best way to keep your pearls shining with their natural luster is to clean them with a soft cloth. You should moisten the cloth with water, but never use any type of detergent when cleaning pearls. Pearls are very quick to absorb things like dirt, perfume, and skin oils because they’re so soft. It’s a good idea to clean your pearls after you’ve worn them to stop the pearls from absorbing any dirt or grime.

How To Store Pearls. Pearls prefer being stored at moderate temperatures, and can be damaged or lose their sheen if exposed regularly to extreme temperatures. So the glove box of the car is definitely not a place for your pearls on a hot day! Don’t store them in a place that might get cold or damp, either, like an attic.

Being so soft, pearls scratch very easily, so store them in a box lined with something soft. Or at least wrap them in a soft cloth before you put them away. Most other gemstones, like diamonds, are much harder than pearls, and can give them a nasty scratch if they’re jostled together. If you have to put them in the same box, the pearls must be wrapped up to protect them.

Keep chemicals away from pearls, or they will get damaged. Chemicals can erode the pearl’s lustrous surface, leaving them dull. So avoid any alcohol based cleaning fluids, or anything with vinegar. It’s a good idea to put your pearls on just before you leave, so that you don’t accidentally get any makeup or hairspray on them. Both of these can stain or damage your pearls.

As an extra precaution, it might be worth getting your pearl jewelry restrung every year or two. Pearls are often strung on silk thread, and this weakens over time. If you wear your pearls a lot, the constant movement of the pearls can also damage the silk. Although pearls require some care to keep them at their best, it’s definitely worth the effort.