At a glance
| Water | Saltwater |
|---|---|
| Mollusk | Pinctada margaritifera (black-lipped oyster) |
| Where | French Polynesia, around Tahiti and nearby islands |
| Typical size | 8 to 14 mm; over 14 mm is less common |
| Shapes | Varied; large, round, smooth pearls are especially rare |
| How it starts | Bead-nucleated; one pearl per oyster |
| Growing time | About 18 to 24 months |
Typical size range from GIA. See sizes at actual size.
Tahitian pearls are the dark pearls most people mean by "black pearls." They grow in the black-lipped oyster, Pinctada margaritifera, farmed in French Polynesia, particularly around Tahiti and the surrounding islands (GIA).
They are not truly black. The oyster's dark inner shell gives them bodycolors of charcoal gray, silver, green and brown, often with a second color floating over the top.
Tahitian pearl colors
GIA describes the bodycolors as charcoal gray, silver, green and brown, with these overtones:
| Overtone | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Peacock | Green with hints of rose or purple. GIA calls it the most valuable. |
| Cherry | Pink to magenta |
| Aubergine | Deep purple |
Try the combinations in Pearl Studio and see the pearl color guide.
Size and growth
Tahitian pearls are usually 8 to 14 mm. Pearls over 14 mm are less common and can command higher prices (GIA). Each oyster is bead-nucleated and grows one pearl at a time, over about 18 to 24 months. Large pearls that are also round and smooth are especially rare.
Watch for
- Small dark pearls. A black or dark gray cultured pearl under 8 mm is likely a dyed akoya or freshwater pearl (Jewelry Business).
- Freshwater pearls sold as Tahitian. Unusual shapes and low prices are a clue (Jewelry Business).
- "Chocolate" pearls. GIA research found brown "chocolate" pearls were black Tahitian cultured pearls whose organic material had been bleached. Natural-color pearls rarely show an intense brown without a rosé or orient overtone. See chocolate pearls.
- Silver-dyed pearls. Some dark pearls are dyed with silver compounds; a lab can detect this.
What people paid for tahitian pearls
Real prices readers paid, not estimates. A figure appears only once at least 5 people have reported the same kind of piece, and we never show individual reports.
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Frequently asked questions
Are Tahitian pearls really black?
No. They are called black pearls, but GIA notes they are not truly black. Bodycolors run from charcoal gray and silver to green and brown, often with peacock, cherry or aubergine overtones.
What is a peacock Tahitian pearl?
A pearl with a green overtone that shows hints of rose or purple. GIA describes peacock as the most valuable Tahitian overtone.
How big are Tahitian pearls?
Usually 8 to 14 mm. Pearls over 14 mm are less common and can cost more (GIA).
Where do Tahitian pearls come from?
French Polynesia, particularly around Tahiti and the surrounding islands, from the black-lipped oyster Pinctada margaritifera.
Questions from readers
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Sources
Checked October 22, 2026. How we check our facts.