Another Tahitian Pearl Jewels Teaser

We've shown you a pendant sample of our upcoming new additions a few days ago, and we've decided to show you another one, this time from our circle strands collection. Enjoy!

Tahitian guitarist's Hawaiian music album song nominated for Grammy Award

Tahiti Presse is reporting that a song composed and performed by Tahitian Florent Atem is included in one of five albums nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Hawaiian Music Album.

It turns out that this isn't Florent Atem's first time being nominated for a Grammy Award. The mainly self-taught musician is also the first Tahitian to be nominated for a Grammy in 2006. Florent has also released a solo album called Dreamtown in 2005, and has realeased 4 other albums with his sister, Carole Atem. The two regularly perform in Tahiti and have also performed in Hawaii alongside local Hawaiian musicians such as Henry Kapono and John Cruz.

For more information about Carole and Florent Atem, visit their site at www.cfatem.com.

Valentine's Giveaway Bash at PainterMommy.com!

Dawn the PainterMommy is doing a Valentine's Day Giveway Bash and we're participating by giving away a beautiful pearl bracelet consisting of a 10mm Tahitian pearl. The pearl has a grade of AA1 and is strung on a black rubber choker. We've posted a photo of it here before, but for your reference, here it is:

So what are you waiting for? Head over to PainterMommy.com and check out the other cool gifts that you can win by participating.

A small teaser of our new products

Here's a sneak peek of what's in store from our website in the next few days:

Details and more pictures of other pieces will be available soon! See our current collection at http://www.tahitianpearljewels.com

A beautiful example of Chocolate/Mocha Pearls

Continuing on the theme I started yesterday, I came across a stunning piece of jewelry made by my friend from Maui, Jonara Blu. While they're not Tahitian pearls (they're the freshwater variety), they're a beautiful example of how chocolate (or in this case, mocha-toned) pearls can be made into fine pieces of art that you can wear.

Check it out here: http://www.rubylane.com/shops/jonarablu/item/A-186

At $72.00, I think it's a great find and an absolute steal!

Chocolate Tahitian Pearls - Not as sweet as you think

You've probably come across earrings like the ones pictured above once or twice over the past few months. They're beautiful and exotic-looking, with some pieces rivaling their more popular counterparts--the Tahitian Pearl-- in price. They're called Chocolate Pearls, or in certain circles Chocolate Tahitian Pearls.

While there's no doubt that these pearls are indeed pearls (actually, you can also make Chocolate Pearls with faux pearls, but that's for another day), the way they achieve such color is definitely not natural. In fact, anyone who can boil water can make their own chocolate-colored pearls if they want to. Of course, I'm simplifying the process a bit; it's actually more involved than that. However, there is no doubt that no cultured or uncultured oyster can produce a pearl with such a color.

Here's how you make these beauties:

• Place your pearls in the top pan of a double boiler and add enough water to cover them
• Add around a teaspoon of vinegar to bleach them
• Add strong coffee, instant coffee or black walnut shells and bring water to a boil. (use more coffee or shells for more intense color)
• Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes (or until a desired color is attained)
• Once a desired color is attained, drain the pearls, wash them and dry them on an absorbent surface such as a smooth dry cloth

That's all there is to it. If you want more color intensity, filter the dyed water and cover your pearls with the filtered dye for several hours.

As you can see, a Chocolate Tahitian Pearl is basically no more than a dyed low-grade pearl. I say low-grade mainly because no one in their right mind would ruin a top-grade Tahitian Pearl's luster, let alone change its color. And like all dyed pearls, its color will eventually fade. More so when it's exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light and if the pearl is over-bleached .

Keep that in mind when you're thinking about buying Chocolate Tahitian Pearl jewelry.


Pearl dying process from http://jewelrymaking.allinfoabout.com/features/dyepearls.html

Single Tahitian pearl on a leaf

I was taking some pictures of pearls and jewelry last night and this one was one of my first shots. It follows the same theme as the bracelet photo I posted the other day: white background with a green leaf as an additional element to the subject. Enjoy!

An easy way to take care of your Tahitian pearl jewelry

While it might seem that a Tahitian pearl on a ring or pendant looks indestructible, such is definitely not the case. A Tahitian pearl's surface can easily be scratched, and its luster may grow dull if its nacre is not cared for. Needless to say, taking care of your pearl jewelry is necessary if you want to enjoy them for years to come.

It's obvious that your first line of defense against scratches is to be careful with your jewelry while handling or wearing them. Never store them with other jewelry that contain diamonds and other gemstones as these could easily scratch your pearl's surface; keep pearls with other pearl jewelry in a different jewelry box.

As far as maintaining your pearl's luster, you only need to remember two simple things:

• Water is a pearl's best friend. No solvents, acids or hard soaps.
• Luster is maintained when your pearl's nacre is properly hydrated.
  

With that being said, here's my simple way of maintaining your pearls' luster:

• Wipe your pearls with a soft clean damp cloth after wearing.
• Store your pearls in a jewelry box that has a moist cloth or paper towel to keep your pearls' nacre hydrated.

That's it. It's an easy but effective way of making sure that your pearl jewelry will last for a very long time.

Ia orana i te matahiti api!

Happy New Year! I know it's a bit late, but it's better to be late than never. Oh and by the way, just in case you haven't figured it out yet, the title means "Happy New Year" in Tahitian. :)

Here's a small picture treat from us. We hope you like it.