Travel // Going Around // South Pacific // Appraising a Tahitian Black Pearl
While I was attending the tendering operation at the pier yesterday, I was approached by a couple both in their early 50s. They just alighted from the ship’s tender and probably they were going ashore to hunt for some souvenir items while the ship is in Moorea. Just like me, before buying on something which would cost me some bucks, I always make sure that I know what I am buying. So I understand why the couple approached and asked me for some tips toward choosing quality Tahitian black pearls which obviously they did not understand that the person they asked has never come across deeply with black pearls before. I may have seen black pearls sold at the ship’s duty free shop but I never got the interest to know black pearls passionately. When I went for duty last night, I intentionally dropped by at the ship’s duty free shop to see and took photo of the luxurious gem – the Tahitian black pearls – which are on display. This black pearl adorned necklace in the photo is one of Tahia Collins collectibles which are on display at the M/S Paul Gauguin’s boutique. This one here carries an amazing tag of US$ 11,000. If a jeweler would present to me a set of quality and poor standard black pearls, honestly, I can’t exactly figure out the difference between the two. I go into reading some brochures onboard about black pearls so in one way or another I would know how black pearls are appraised. I learned that the quality of black pearls is judged according to its size, color, luster, surface and form. Now I understand why these black pearls are sold at an amazing price or let’s say “luxurious price” based on these criteria presented. To have an in-depth idea in judging the quality of Tahitian black pearls, you may follow this link here.
