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The warm waters of
the South Seas for many thousands of years have nurtured a great
marvel, the "Pinctada margaritifera", Cumingi variety, named for
the biologist who classified it in 1820. This mother of pearl is
unique due to its exceptionally pure lagoon habitat which brings
out an incomparable natural color range that is passed on to
cultured pearls as well, thereby creating real jewels.
Tahitian pearls
have become a symbol of elegance and beauty throughout the
world. Whether perfectly round, romantically pear-shaped,
baroque or modern, of shimmering green known as "fly's wing",
aubergine, blue-tinged, reddish-bronze, pinkish or more simply
just steel gray, they have an iridescent luster that charms the
eye.
Every visitor
desires to take home a Tahitian pearl as a souvenir, as the
symbol of those fleeting and unforgettable moments spent on
vacation in the South Seas. Every woman has always had the
secret wish to possess a pearl, the pearl, the jewel of the
thousand and one nights, that contains a touch of magic,
symbolizing great charm and perfection.
For visitors who
wish to discover the secrets of Tahitian pearls, a visit to one
of the pearl farms on the island of Taha'a or on one of the low
islands in the Tuamotu is an experience not to be missed.
The value of black pearls ranges
from $100 for a small pearl of average quality to up to $10,000
for a round pearl of perfect quality with a diameter of 18mm.
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