I am not sure if this is how the system works, but here goes. I am looking for a Tahitian necklace for my fiancee' and am trying to get smart before I buy. I have been to what I believe is a reputable web site and they have a lovely necklace that is black with green tones. The problem I have is that the oyster is listed as a whitlip. I thought that Tahitian Black pearls had to come from the black lip (Pinctada margaritifera) oyster. Even the web site at this location describes this, but the people I dealt with on the phone said that although there are numerous oysters (black/white/gold lipped) that this was a generic name and that they were all the same? Even though there web site say contrary to this. I think they are reputable, but as you can imagine, this does leave some lingering questions. Can you advise me concerning the oyster type vs pearl color etc. Also, what is the deal with ebay and the dirt cheap tahitian pearls that they say are not pearl shells etc. Thanks for the help