The trade designation "Tahitian_Cultured_Pearl" is exclusively used for cultured pearls produced by the Pinctada_Margaritifera pearl oyster, found in French Polynesia.

In 1976 the Gemological_Institute_of_America issued the official recognition of the "Pearl of Tahiti" natural colour authenticity. Furthermore the adoption of the commercial designation "Tahiti Cultured Pearl", by the International_Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), allowed this jewel to establish its international reputation.

According to the government regulation, the pearls must display a continuous pearly layer covering at least 80 % of the surface and cannot reveal the underlying nucleus. Pearls not meeting these criteria will be considered as rejects and should not be sold.

When harvesting pearls, the pearl farmer performs an initial sort of his crop, discarding all the rejects. He will then proceed to a more detailed separation, sorting out pearls by size, shape and surface quality following the Official Classification.

Sources GIE Perles de Tahiti