Know the History of Tahitian Pearls
Mikimoto Kokichi
Tahiti was discovered in the year 1767, but the naturally available black pearls had already gained significant popularity and fame by that time in the European nations. Black pearls were then known as the “queen of pearls” and the “pearl of queens.”
Although the name Tahitian Pearls has been derived from the French Polynesian Island, these pearls are not cultured in Tahiti; these are rather cultivated throughout French Polynesian waters, in a collection of various atolls and islands in the South Pacific Ocean. The rich Tahitian pearl history actually explains their appeal and their popularity in the market these days. When the Europeans discovered the Pacific Islands during the late 1700s, there came a bunch of explorers and traders who learned about the riches of waters in the region, including natural pearls, sandalwood, mother of pearl, and turtle shell. During that time, the pearl oysters of the major islands of Tuamotu and Gambier started depleting at a rapid rate and nearly reached extinction. It was the very rising demand of the mother of pearls that led to the exploitation of oysters of these islands in the next 150 years.
In the year 1880, France had complete control over the group of islands that is now called French Polynesia. Strict rules and regulations were being applied for curtailing fishing activities among these islands due to various reasons.
It was during the mid-20th century that successful techniques for pearl cultivation were being implanted in Kokichi Mikimoto of Japan. Experimentation first started with the use of oysters that went on to produce these beautiful Tahitian pearls.
As a matter of fact, through the efforts of experts from Japan, it was possible to cultivate some of the best-quality oysters that were nucleated, and then finally used for deriving the best quality of cultured Tahitian pearls. Thousands of cultured Tahitian pearls were first harvested during the mid-1960s. Today, the best varieties of Tahitian pearls are available from French Polynesia, derived from the crowns lying in the middle of the great ocean.
Tahitian Pearls’ history suggests that the color of these pearls reveals a mysterious aura. Centuries of rumors and old tales have been associated with these beautiful-looking pearls. The largest and most commonly known natural form of Tahitian black pearl is the Black Beauty. It is approximately 6.5 carats, and its shape resembles a button.
Tahitian pearls have a gorgeous aura and an excellent appeal to them. They adorn every wearer and are used for making different pearl jewelry as well.
