Tahitian pearl prices depend mainly on size, grade, shape, luster and overtone. Grown by Pinctada margaritifera in French Polynesia, a single round AAA-grade pearl runs roughly from around $80 at 8–9mm to over $1,000 at 13–14mm, while strands span a wide range with size. Grades such as AAA, AA and A are producer/trade descriptions, not a GIA standard. All Tahitian color is natural and never dyed. Ranges below are indicative, not quotes.

Indicative price by size and grade

The figures below are typical ranges for a single round Tahitian pearl, in US dollars. Actual price varies with overtone, surface and roundness.

Size	Grade A	Grade AA	Grade AAA
8–9mm	$40–90	$70–150	$120–250
9–10mm	$60–120	$100–220	$180–400
10–11mm	$90–180	$150–350	$300–650
11–12mm	$140–300	$250–550	$450–950
12–14mm	$250–600	$450–1,000	$800–2,500+

Less common overtones — deep peacock, silver-blue or aubergine — typically add a 20–40% premium. These overtones occur only in Tahitian pearls.

What drives Tahitian pearl value

• Size — price rises steeply with each millimeter; 14mm+ pearls are rare and command the most.
• Grade — AAA means near-flawless surface and mirror luster; AA is high luster with minor marks; A shows visible imperfections. These are trade grades, not a GIA standard.
• Shape — perfectly round is most valuable; drop, circlé and baroque cost less but can be striking.
• Luster — a deep, metallic mirror shine is the single biggest quality signal.
• Overtone & color — natural peacock and aubergine carry premiums; all color is natural, never dyed.

Where to buy and what to check

Buy from a seller who states species, origin and grade and provides a grading sheet. Be wary of uniformly jet-black, very cheap "Tahitian" pearls — those are usually color-treated freshwater pearls, not genuine Pinctada margaritifera. A real Tahitian shows subtle overtone shifts in the light. Our loose pearls ship with an origin certificate and grading sheet.

Shop our loose Tahitian pearls and black pearl necklaces. For broader pricing context across pearl types, see how much pearls are worth and the Tahitian pearls guide.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a single Tahitian pearl? Indicatively, a round AAA pearl ranges from about $120 at 8–9mm to $800–2,500+ at 12–14mm. Lower grades and smaller sizes cost much less. These are guide ranges, not quotes.

Why are some Tahitian pearls so cheap? Very low prices usually mean color-treated freshwater pearls or low-grade, heavily blemished stock. Genuine high-grade Pinctada margaritifera pearls are never dyed and are priced accordingly.

Should I buy Tahitian pearls to make money? We do not present pearls as financial assets or a way to make money. They are cultured luxury jewelry; buy them to wear and enjoy. Grades like AAA are trade descriptions, not a GIA standard.