pearls from the french polynesia

[Mariliis]

Hello,

I was asked to view some pearls my friend got from travels. There are few different parcels with different blemishes and hues. All lovely as well.. Could I also ask your opinion about them, regards to quality. The pearls diameters ranges from 8mm-12mm. Also added some pictures of the different pearls.

Thank you and waiting for your reply,

Mariliis

[pattye]

Welcome Mariliis,

Thank you for excellent photos of these lovely pearls, Tahitian pearls. I see some pretty overtones of rose and greens. You probably already know these are natural, not dyed colors. I see drop shape, circle, and off round. Does your friend drill pearls? These will make some pretty pendants or perhaps a few bracelets. I don't see a matching pair for earrings, though. Those are perfect souvenirs from a vacation!

[Caitlin]

Nice Tahitians! Lucky girl!!!

[Mariliis]

Thank you Pattye and Caitlin for your comments. Every look at them makes me love them more and more..

Mariliis

[KarinK]

Hi Mariliis,

Are they yours or is your frined just tempting you? I am by no means an expert on pearls but they look really nice. Sometimes you see very pale areas, especially towards the top. I don't find that too attractive but these seem to have a very good overall, dark colour. Pricewise they get more expensive the more perfectly round and without blemishes, they are. They get cheaper the more circled they are. Often, though, you find the most vibrant colours in the circled ones.

I don't see many circled ones in your picture, rather some very nice drop shaped ones, possibly some buttons and some round or nearly round. So they don't seem to be from the cheapest end of the line. I'm thinking that the top left pearl in the top right picture would make a beautiful ring

- Karin

[Mariliis]

Thank you for the feedback. Just out of interest, are the prices of Tahitian pearls very different in US and Europe? I am from North-East Europe and loose pearls are very hard to find.

Mariliis

[pearlescence]

Hi Mariliis
I can't speak for any other sellers but I don't think mine are - especially if you strip out the VAT levied here (or on import to the EU from America or wherever)
What sort of Tahitians are you looking for?
The price generally depends on how many hands the pearls have passed through on their way to you (as well as the quality of the pearls) Most sellers in Europe don't travel far up the supply chain so prices are high. Though I think that is the same around the world. Even for gem suppliers to the trade, pearls are a bit of an add-on afterthought. So they won't be buying direct or with specialised knowledge