Tahitian Pearls

Tahitian pearls are cultured in the black-lipped Pinctada margaritifera oyster, mainly in the waters around French Polynesia. People call them black pearls, but you'll see charcoal, grey, green, and blue, usually with peacock, silver or aubergine highlights that change as the light hits them.
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Your Complete Guide to Buying Pearl Jewellery

Tahitian Pearl Colours 

Forget what you've heard about "black pearls." Pull one out of the box and you might see deep charcoal with green flashes. Or slate grey with peacock shimmer. Sometimes blue with silver running through it. Each one's different.

Picking Your Pearl

Lustre is the glow you see on the surface. Good lustre gives a pearl a depth that can almost make it look lit from within.

The surface will show some natural marks. Oysters aren't perfect, and neither are their pearls. A cleaner surface can contribute to a higher grade and price, alongside the other quality factors.

Shape comes down to what you like. Round is traditional. Drops, ovals and near-rounds have more personality.

Size here goes from about 8mm to 14mm, so there’s a good range to choose from depending on how much presence you want. 

Colour is totally personal. Grey with peacock overtones looks nothing like green with aubergine flashes, even in the same earring design.

Pricing

Can't give you one number. A smaller pearl with surface marks costs less than a larger one with clean skin and strong lustre. Gold settings cost more than silver. Our pearl grading guide explains how it all works.

Tahitian or South Sea?

Tahitians are dark. South Sea pearls are white, cream or gold.Different oysters, different growing regions, different look entirely.

If you prefer lighter pearls, check out our South Sea collection. 

About Vayo

We specialise in genuine cultured pearls, with every piece chosen for its quality and character. Vayo is a member of the Cultured Pearl Association of America, and orders are shipped from Sydney with free worldwide delivery and 14-day returns.

Not sure whether a pearl is genuine? Our guide to spotting real pearls walks you through what to look for.

Questions People Ask

What are Tahitian pearls?

Saltwater pearls from black-lipped oysters, grown mostly in French Polynesia.

Are they black?

Some are close. Most are charcoal, grey, green or blue with shifting overtones.

What do they cost?

Depends on the pearl. Size, lustre, surface, shape and colour all matter. So does the setting.

What sizes do you stock?

8mm to 14mm in this collection. Varies by piece.

Why Choose Vayo Pearl Jewellery?

Real Pearls, Always

Every piece in our collection features genuine cultured pearls. No shell pearls, no fakes — we're transparent about what you're wearing.

Settings That Last

Our pearl jewellery is designed to wear, not just display. We use quality metals and secure settings so your piece stays beautiful through real life.

Curated, Not Cluttered

We don't carry every pearl style imaginable. We carry the ones worth wearing — edited for quality, luster, and design integrity.

Thoughtful Gifting

Every Vayo pearl piece arrives beautifully packaged and ready to gift, with a care guide included.

Questions People Ask

What sizes do you stock?
8mm to 14mm in this collection. Varies by piece.
What do they cost?
Depends on the pearl. Size, lustre, surface, shape and colour all matter. So does the setting.
Are they black?
Some are close. Most are charcoal, grey, green or blue with shifting overtones.
What are Tahitian pearls?
Saltwater pearls from black-lipped oysters, grown mostly in French Polynesia.