A Brief History of Pearls: Surface of Tahitian Pearls

  A brief history of pearls

SURFACE OF TAHITIAN PEARLS


Surface quality is an important factor when experts value any pearl. In a Tahitian pearl, blemishes are often readily apparent because of their unusual colors and lusters.



What is Surface Quality in Tahitian Pearls?

In Tahitian pearls, like other pearls, surface quality refers to how smooth the layers of nacre are.

Surface quality spans the entire spectrum from "Clean" to "Heavily blemished." Naturally, better surface quality equates to a more valuable pearl.

High quality Tahitian pearls may be virtually free from flaws. However, because the cultivation period is so long - it typically takes between 2 and 3 years to cultivate one of these rare, beautiful gems - natural flaws are fairly common.

Some of the most common flaws in Tahitian pearls include:


  • Spots
  • Bumps
  • Pits
  • Wrinkles
  • Rings

Many Tahitian pearls possess surface imperfections that enhance their beauty and allure. However, heavily blemished pearls are not worth nearly as much as their cleaner counterparts are.

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How pearls are harvested
How pearls brought to market
 
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Akoya Pearl Processing
Akoya Pearl Evaluation
 
Quality Factor One: Luster
Luster of Akoya Pearls
Quality Factor Two: Surface
Surface of Akoya Pearls
Quality Factor Three: Shape
Shape of Akoya Pearls
Quality Factor Four: Color
Color of Akoya Pearls
Quality Factor Five: Size
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South Sea Pearl Cultivation
South Sea Pearl Harvesting
South Sea Pearl Processing
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Know your Tahitian pearls
Tahitian Pearl Cultivation
Tahitian Pearl Harvesting
Tahitian Pearl Processing
Tahitian Pearl Quality Evaluation
Luster of Tahitian Pearls
Surface of Tahitian Pearls
Shape of Tahitian Pearls
Color of Tahitian Pearls
Size of Tahitian Pearls
 
Gift Giving Occasions


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