If you are traveling to French Polynesia, buying pearls is top of the shopping list. The most important part of buying pearls is to make sure they are real. In this post, I will cover an easy way to determine if they are real or fake along as well as recommendations on where to buy your very own pearls.
Pearls from French Polynesia are not only the largest in the world but they are the only natural ‘black’ pearls on earth. Quotes required as the color is not truly black. In fact, pearls from French Polynesia have a wide range of colors. The most popular being the darker options that offer that famous pearly sheen. Other black pearls are artificially tinted or processed to copy Tahitian pearls.
There is such a wide variety of options when it comes to buying Tahitian pearls. From bracelets to rings, necklaces, pendants and even just the pearl itself.
Best places to buy pearls
Moana Pearls located mountainside in Cook’s Bay at Pk 7.7 Paopao
Pai Moana Pearls located mountainside near the Little Village Tiahura
how to tell real vs fake
One easy way to know they are real (without asking) is by touching them. Real pearls will be cold on display, once you hold them in your hands or around your neck, the pearl(s) will match your body temperature. A second way is to examine the texture. Real pearls are smooth in texture, there is no grit, they roll easy across surface. Lastly, real pearls are bright, they shine, and are vibrant in color.
Fake pearls are dull, temperature never changes, they are light in weight, and gritty.
Where to Stay in Moorea
All the places mentioned in this post (and more) are all saved for you on my Ultimate Moorea Map. When you plan your trip to Moorea make sure you check out all the resources I have shared for you on my website. Highly suggest starting with my Ultimate Travel Guide to Moorea.
Whether you are looking for the best places to stay and eat or when to swim with Humpback Whales, I have you covered.
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