[The Pearl Outlet]

Yes, Tahiti is a part of French Polynesia, but it isn't an atoll. The Tahitian government regulates most of the export of Tahitian pearls. The mullosk which produces these pearls is really the differentiating factor. It is the Pinctada margaritifera, or the black-lipped oyster.

If you post a link to the auction, you'll get more feedback from a variety of people. There's also a section just for this in the forums here.