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Tahitian vs South Sea pearls
Tahitian pearls come from Pinctada margaritifera (black-lipped oyster), grown in French Polynesia, around Tahiti and nearby islands. South Sea pearls come from Pinctada maxima (silver-lipped oyster), grown in Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
| Tahitian pearls | South Sea pearls | |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Mollusk | Pinctada margaritifera (black-lipped oyster) | Pinctada maxima (silver-lipped oyster) |
| Where | French Polynesia, around Tahiti and nearby islands | Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines |
| Typical size | 8 to 14 mm; over 14 mm is less common | 8 to 18 mm |
| Shapes | Varied; large, round, smooth pearls are especially rare | Round to baroque |
| How it starts | Bead-nucleated; one pearl per oyster | Bead-nucleated; one pearl per oyster |
| Growing time | About 18 to 24 months | Often 2 to 4 years |
The differences
- Tahitian pearls come from Pinctada margaritifera (black-lipped oyster), grown in French Polynesia, around Tahiti and nearby islands. South Sea pearls come from Pinctada maxima (silver-lipped oyster), grown in Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
- Typical sizes (GIA): Tahitian 8 to 14 mm, against 8 to 18 mm for South Sea.
- Colors: Tahitian pearls come in charcoal, gray, silver, green, brown; South Sea in white, silver.
- Growing time: Tahitian about 18 to 24 months; South Sea often 2 to 4 years.
More about tahitian pearls · More about south sea pearls · Compare looks in Pearl Studio
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between tahitian and south sea pearls?
Tahitian pearls come from Pinctada margaritifera (black-lipped oyster), grown in French Polynesia, around Tahiti and nearby islands. South Sea pearls come from Pinctada maxima (silver-lipped oyster), grown in Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Typical sizes (GIA): Tahitian 8 to 14 mm, against 8 to 18 mm for South Sea.
Facts from GIA: Differences between pearl types. Checked October 22, 2026.