Loose Tahitian Pearls
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Frequently asked questions
What does AAA grading mean for Tahitian loose pearls?
AAA is the highest grade: surface clean to 95%+ with mirror luster, near-round to perfectly round shape, and uniform overtone. AA pearls have 85%+ clean surface and high (but not mirror) luster. Lower grades (A, B) have visible imperfections and are sold at significant discount.
How much do loose Tahitian pearls cost?
Pricing varies by size, grade, and color. AAA round peacock 9mm pearls typically range $80-200. Mid-size 10-11mm AAA: $150-400. Larger 12mm+ AAA: $300-1,200. Less common overtones (deep aubergine, silver-blue) command 20-40% premium.
Can I order matched pairs of Tahitian loose pearls?
Yes. Specify "matched pair" at checkout and we hand-select two pearls within 0.25mm of size, identical overtone, and matched shape. Useful for custom earrings or twin-pearl pendants.
What is the most-requested Tahitian pearl size?
9-11mm sits in the most-requested band — large enough for statement jewelry, small enough that the price stays reachable for custom-strung work. 12-14mm pearls go to special commissions; 14mm+ are rare and command very high prices.
Why Marutea Atoll specifically?
Marutea has unusually mineral-rich lagoon water that Pinctada margaritifera incorporates into nacre, yielding deeper peacock and silver-blue overtones than other atolls. We have direct relationships with farms there spanning three decades.
Tahitian loose pearls are the working stock for custom jewelers — single pearls for solitaire pendants, matched pairs for statement earrings, small lots for limited-edition strand commissions. These pearls come from Pinctada margaritifera, the black-lipped oyster native to French Polynesia. Most of our stock is sourced from the Mangareva and Marutea atolls, where the lagoon's mineral profile reliably yields the deepest peacock and silver-blue overtones. Sizes in current stock run 8mm to 14mm in 1mm increments, with the 9-11mm band most-requested for custom strand work. We grade each loose pearl on the standard AAA-AA-A scale: AAA is mirror luster, surface 95% clean, near-round to round shape; AA is high luster, surface 85% clean, near-round acceptable. Drilled or undrilled — drilled pearls bored 0.8mm by default; we can custom-drill to 1.0mm or 1.2mm for thicker silk or beading wire. Each pearl ships with origin certificate and grading sheet.