American Pearl · Pearl Guide

A Brief History of Pearls: Tahitian Pearl Processing

The short answer

Fine Tahitian pearls are not bleached or dyed. After harvest they are simply cleaned, dried and lightly polished, so their dark colors are natural. They come in black, gray, green, blue, purple and silvery tones, and Tahiti serves as the trading hub for pearls grown across French Polynesia.

Reviewed by American Pearl’s pearl specialists · Updated October 2026

	A brief history of pearls		TAHITIAN PEARL PROCESSING Unlike other types of pearls, Tahitian pearls don't undergo processing before they're brought to market. Instead, they're harvested, cleaned, dried and lightly polished. Tahitian pearls are the only naturally black pearls found on earth. Although most Tahitian pearls come from various locations in and around French Polynesia, the fact is that Tahiti is simply the large trading hub for these rare, valuable pearls. In addition to black, Tahitian pearls can come in a number of other colors, as well. They can be extremely radiant blue, green or purple; in some cases, they're even a beautiful silvery shade.
	How pearls form in oysters
	How pearls are harvested
	How pearls brought to market

	Know your Akoya pearls
	Akoya Pearl Cultivation
	Akoya Pearl Harvesting
	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
	Size of Akoya Pearls

	Know your South Sea pearls
	South Sea Pearl Cultivation
	South Sea Pearl Harvesting
	South Sea Pearl Processing
	South Sea Pearl Quality Evaluation
	Luster of South Sea Pearls
	Surface of South Sea Pearls
	Shape of South Sea Pearls
	Color of South Sea Pearls
	Size of South Sea Pearls

	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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Tahitian pearl processing: common questions

Are Tahitian pearl colors natural?

Yes. Genuine Tahitian pearls get their color from the black-lip oyster and are only cleaned, dried and lightly polished. Very cheap “black pearls” are often dyed freshwater pearls.

What colors besides black do Tahitian pearls come in?

Radiant blue, green, purple and silvery shades, among many others.

Why are Tahitian pearls sold through Tahiti?

Tahiti is the main trading hub for pearls grown throughout French Polynesia.