The Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia (TPAFP) has launched a campaign titled “The Tahitian Cultured Pearl, the First Jewel of Polynesians” to reintroduce this treasure to the local population.
In this article, we explore the essential criteria for choosing the perfect pearl—a decision that may vary depending on cultural and personal preferences.
A pearl’s beauty is ultimately subjective, but several key factors can guide your selection to find the one that best suits you. Here’s an overview of the elements to consider when making your choice.
Pearl Shapes: Tahitian pearls come in three main shape categories:
- Spherical (perfect or semi-perfect)
- Symmetrical (teardrop, oval, button, semi-baroque)
- Asymmetrical (baroque)
Surface & Luster: It’s essential to examine the pearl’s surface for flaws such as rings, pits, scratches, or cracks. The luster—the way light reflects off the nacre—ranges from brilliant (excellent quality) to dull (lower quality).
Pearl Grades: Pearls are classified from TOP GEM (flawless pearls) to E (pearls with visible imperfections). This grading system evaluates surface quality, luster, and blemishes.
Additional Criteria:
- The pearl’s dominant color should be even and uniform, though secondary hues may appear.
- The nacre thickness around the nucleus plays a crucial role in durability and beauty.
- Size typically ranges from 8 to 14 mm, though some pearls can reach up to 21 mm.
In summary, selecting the ideal pearl depends on factors such as shape, surface quality, luster, grade, color, and size. The TPAFP’s campaign aims to educate Polynesians about these criteria so they can make well-informed choices when selecting a Tahitian pearl.
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