BLACK PEARL SHOPPING
 

Black Pearl shopping is available in numerous shops in Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti.  I did not have an opportunity to shop in Tahiti and cannot report on the shops in Papeete.  They are basically the same shops on all the islands.

BORA BORA

In Bora Bora most of the shops are right off the dock within walking distance from where the tender drops you at the pier.  Some of these shops also have shops on Moorea and will transfer any pearl you have an interest in to the Moorea shop so you may have more time to make a decision.  (The store flies the pearl in on one of the flights going back and forth all the time.)

MOOREA

When you get off the tender in Moorea, there are private drivers from many of the pearl shops waiting in the parking lot, and they will take you to the pearl shops free of charge. 

Price of the Pearls.  Price for one pearl varies tremendously, as low as $200 and up to the $1000’s.  The average cost for a nice pearl set in gold with maybe one small diamond is $1500-$2000.

Key stores for black pearls and comparing shops.  One thing I did learn was that the prices and colors really do differ.  It is probably best to shop at several places to find your own personal preference and what prices are.  Many of the shops were willing to negotiate on final price.  Many people bought pearls and everyone thought “their” shop was the best. Many feel that the price of black pearls is cheaper in French Polynesia because the majority of them (over 95%) are produced here.  There are certain criteria that most of the shops agree determine the price of the pearl: size, shape, surface quality, and luster.

Black Pearl Gem Company in La Petite Village: has a taxi and there are also other pearl shops and souvenir shops you can visit while you're there, and they will transport you back to the dock free of charge.  It takes approximately 30 minutes in each direction or 1 hour round trip, so plan accordingly.

Hermans: La Petite Village: We found really good prices here this last trip.  I recommend you checking this store. They are “supposed” to be wholesalers.

Sibani Pearls is the store that has pearls on the ship. The store does a presentation board that gives you information and shows a film.  This takes place the second day at 9:45am in the main lounge on the way to Taha'a.  However, it is a sales pitch for their stores and their certificate “The Beep Certificate.”  This is a good store, as are the others mentioned above.  As I mention below, they all have their own certificates.

Shopping center to the left of the docks.  Walking distance or free shuttles.

Ron Hall’s store is to the left of the parking lot.  It is about a 5-minute walk or he also has a free shuttle. 

Hevai’s store is about a 15- minute walk to the right or they have a free shuttle. 
PSBP – Pacific Style Black Pearls.  This store has some really unique designs.  They do their own jewelry and there were unique pieces in this shop.

Telling one pearl from another. 

Size: 8-10 mm seem to be more common; those above 11 mm rise dramatically in price because they are more rare. 

Shape: The more rare and more expensive shape is round.  Semi-round or other shapes are less expensive. 

Grading: Black pearls are graded for surface quality using a scale from A to D.  An “A grade” pearl is supposed to have less than 10% surface imperfections and in many instances cannot be seen because they mount them where the imperfections are.  A “B grade” is less than 1/3, “C grade” less than 2/3, and a “D grade” more than 2/3.  I found that you have to somewhat judge for yourself.  I was shown a pearl from a very popular shop where the salesperson stated it was an “A”, and when I began to point out the flaws, he agreed it was a “B” which can greatly effect the price. Then I bought a “C” that looked better than the “B”.

Luster: Luster is simply the shine on the pearl.  This is easy to determine just by placing pearls side by side.  Some seem lifeless and others really shine. 

Color: There is no one color seen to be more desirable.  This is really a matter of personal preference.  Pearls are often multicolored with metallic steel gray the most common.  The color is determined by the oyster’s secretions and can range from gray to pink to blue to green or eggplant. 

Certificates.  Every shop has its own certificates.  There is no government standard, so the certificate simply states that it is a black pearl and that particular shop’s certification as to the quality and size of the pearl.  Since there is no standard, there is no certificate that is better than another. 

VAT TAX (Value Added Tax).  There is a tax called VAT that you pay at the time of purchase.  The shop will give you a certificate and a self-addressed stamped envelope you take to the airport.  You turn it in at the airport right after you go through security before you check your bags.  There is a customs officer you give the certificate to.  The C your bags.  There is a customs officer you give the certificate to.  The Customs Officer will ask to see the pearl so make sure you have it readily available and don’t have to search for it in your luggage.  He simply looks at the pearl and certificate, stamps the form, and you place the envelope in the mailbox he directs you to there at the airport.  Three to four weeks after the purchase, the tax will be credited or refunded to your credit card.