[tahitiangirl]

Hi everyone. I have a tahitian pearl pendent that I was told had a natural tahitian pearl. The pearl has very high luster, I can see my reflection very well, and no blemishes. Now, how do I tell if the pearl really is natural? I am not able to look at the drill hole, but do have a loupe.
Thanks,
-Steph

[tahitiangirl]

I also forgot to mention that the pearl, upon close inspection, has an almost hammered look on its surface.

[pattye]

Hi Steph,

Lucky you, a Tahitian pendant! It sounds lovely! Frequently people will say it is a "natural pearl" when they mean "genuine cultured pearl" especially if they are not in the business. The only way you can know for sure is to have it xrayed by a gem lab to see if there is a bead nucleus. (Not xrayed by a dentist! ) Let us know what you find out! And we would love to see a photo! The surface quality is not an indicator of whether the pearl formed naturally in the mollusk.

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[knotty panda]

Pattye: Some people say "natural" meaning untreated as well. So hard to navigate the lingo sometimes.

Natural(ized) Tahitian. Happy Birthday!

[pattye]

Oh, that Naughty Knotty!!!!!!

[jshepherd]

Originally Posted by tahitiangirl

Hi everyone. I have a tahitian pearl pendent that I was told had a natural tahitian pearl. The pearl has very high luster, I can see my reflection very well, and no blemishes. Now, how do I tell if the pearl really is natural? I am not able to look at the drill hole, but do have a loupe.
Thanks,
-Steph

One can only assume the seller is referring to the color not the pearl. Otherwise the seller is being deceitful unfortunately.

A perfect natural as descibed (especially if round and of any decent size) would be nearly priceless and would come with a GIA or EGL certification. It would also be a famous pearl. I have not heard of any naturals like that coming from Tahiti since the early 1800s. Natural pearls and mother of pearl were big business following James Cook's 'discovery' of Tahiti in 1769.

[Bodecia]

Hi Steph, and All,

Can you post a photo of the pearl/pendant? I agree that many sellers put "natural" in as a way to say it is a real pearl and not imitation. They probably mean that it is cultured but the fact that is looks hammered is a sign of real natural pearls, or so it has been mentioned on this forum before. So anyway a photo would be great love to see it.

"I also forgot to mention that the pearl, upon close inspection, has an almost hammered look on its surface."

Bodecia

[Josh]

Thanks for the bday wishes Knotty. I was hammered so does that mean I am fake or a natural?
Steph, I'm guessing you have a "natural" cultured Tahitian pearl. Congrats!