Pearls are beautiful gems. Some of the most popular kinds are Tahitian pearls produced in the black-lipped oyster called Pinctada margaritifera. These oysters are found in and around Tahiti and the French Polynesian islands. The oyster itself is quite big, growing as much as 12 inches across and weighing up to 10 pounds. These often results in much larger-than-average pearls.

Tahitian pearls are unique because of their natural dark colors. Most of the “black” Tahitian pearls are not actually black but are instead silver, charcoal, or a multitude of colors with a dominant green hue. Black pearls are considered rare and some of the most beautiful pearls in the world.