Pendant Necklace 1 Tahitian Pearl 13,5mm

About Tahitian Pearls

The Tahitian cultured pearl is one of the iconic treasures of French Polynesia. Despite its name, it is not produced exclusively on the island of Tahiti. Pearl farms are mainly located throughout the lagoons of the Tuamotu and Gambier archipelagos, where the environment provides particularly favorable conditions for pearl oyster cultivation.

Tahitian pearls are produced by Pinctada margaritifera, commonly known as the black-lipped pearl oyster. This species has naturally dark mother-of-pearl, which gives Tahitian pearls their remarkable range of colors. They are therefore not simply “black”: depending on the nacre, the light and each individual oyster, they can display shades of silver grey, anthracite, peacock green, bronze, aubergine, blue and occasionally almost golden tones.

What is a Tahitian pearl made of?

A cultured pearl is primarily composed of nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, a material naturally produced by the oyster. Nacre consists mainly of calcium carbonate arranged in microscopic crystals and combined with an organic matrix containing proteins.

To initiate the formation of a Tahitian cultured pearl, a highly skilled technician known as a pearl grafter introduces a nucleus into the oyster’s gonad together with a small piece of mantle tissue from another oyster. The oyster then gradually deposits successive layers of nacre around the nucleus.

The extremely fine structure of these layers interacts with light and contributes to the luster, orient and depth of color characteristic of a beautiful Tahitian pearl.

How and why did pearl farming develop in French Polynesia?

Long before modern pearl farming developed, Pinctada margaritifera was already harvested in French Polynesia for its mother-of-pearl, once highly sought after for the production of buttons and decorative objects.

Modern pearl farming began developing in French Polynesia during the 20th century, drawing in particular on pearl-grafting techniques developed in Japan. Significant trials were carried out during the 1960s, before commercial production expanded considerably over the following decades.

Pearl farming made it possible to enhance a remarkable natural resource already present in Polynesian lagoons: the black-lipped pearl oyster and its exceptionally colored nacre.

Today, the Tahitian cultured pearl is deeply associated with the heritage, craftsmanship and identity of French Polynesia.

Why is every Tahitian pearl unique?

An oyster is a living organism, which means that no two pearls are ever exactly alike. Size, shape, color, luster, orient and surface characteristics naturally vary from one pearl to another.

Round, semi-round, circled, drop-shaped or baroque, every pearl has its own personality. Small irregularities visible on the surface are not necessarily imperfections: they are part of the pearl’s natural formation within the oyster and are among the characteristics considered when pearls are examined and selected.

At Kalinas & Tainos, we select our Tahitian cultured pearls for the balance between their luster, natural shades, shape and individual character, allowing every creation to preserve what makes this material so remarkable: no two pearls are exactly alike.

Always believe in the pearl in you!

Kalinas & Tainos is a French-Caribbean jewelry brand founded in Saint-Barthélemy in 2011, where every creation draws inspiration from the sea, travel, and the beauty of natural materials.

At the heart of the brand is Jérémy, its founder and creative director, originally from Provence. With a lifelong passion for the underwater world, objects rich in history, and design, his journey naturally led him to the Caribbean, where the colors of the ocean, the unique light of Saint-Barthélemy, and the beauty of cultured pearls continue to inspire him every day.

For over fifteen years, Kalinas & Tainos has been designing and assembling customizable jewelry in Saint-Barthélemy, combining Tahitian, South Sea, freshwater, and Akoya cultured pearls, rare conch pearls, gemstones, ancient coins, kangaroo leather, sterling silver 925, and gold. Each creation is designed to reveal the unique character of these materials through an elegant, timeless style deeply inspired by the art of living in Saint-Barthélemy.

More than a piece of jewelry, Kalinas & Tainos seeks to convey an emotion, a travel memory, and a lasting connection to Saint-Barth. Each creation is designed to accompany its wearer through the years and stand the test of time, like the memory of a precious moment.

Remove the necklace before showering, swimming, exercising and sleeping. Water, salt, chlorine, perspiration and repeated friction can dry out the leather and accelerate wear. Let it air-dry naturally if it becomes damp.

Before storing your necklace, gently wipe the pearl and the cord with a soft, dry cloth. This removes perspiration, cosmetics and other residues that may affect the materials over time, even while the piece remains in its jewelry box. Store it separately from other jewelry to limit friction.

What type of cord do you use for your jewelry?

Since 2011, we have used a 1.5 mm MOKUBA polyester cord reinforced with an inner nylon thread. This construction provides flexibility and excellent durability while significantly reducing the risk of breakage during everyday wear.

Is the necklace adjustable?

Yes. Our cord necklaces feature sliding knots that allow you to easily adjust their length. You therefore do not need to know your exact neck measurement.

How do I choose the right necklace size?

Simply choose the size that best matches your body type and preferred fit. The sliding knots then allow you to fine-tune the length.

Can I wear my cord necklace in the water?

Yes. Our jewelry mounted on MOKUBA cord can be worn in water. After swimming in the sea or a pool, simply rinse it with fresh water and allow it to dry naturally.

Can I wear my necklace every day?

Yes. MOKUBA cord is particularly well suited to everyday wear. A few simple precautions will nevertheless help preserve the beauty of the pearls or gemstones for longer.

How long does the cord last?

For a necklace worn every day, including regularly in water, the cord will generally last around 3 years depending on use. Our workshop can then replace it so you can continue wearing your creation for many years.

What happens if my cord becomes worn or breaks?

Simply contact us. We offer repairs and can replace the cord while preserving the pearls, gemstones and other components of your jewelry.

Can I choose the color of the cord?

Yes. Current colors are shown in the product selector. For another combination, use “Fully customize this necklace.”

Can I choose a leather version?

Yes. Our adjustable necklaces can also be made with leather, depending on the options offered or upon request.

Can I wear the leather version in the water?

We do not recommend it. As leather is an organic material, water, perspiration and repeated wet/dry cycles can gradually dry it out. Remove leather jewelry before swimming, showering, exercising or sleeping; when dry, it can be lightly conditioned with a suitable oil or shea butter.

What is the difference between MOKUBA cord and leather?

MOKUBA cord is durable, lightweight and suitable for everyday wear, including in water. Leather offers a different character but requires more care.

Can I personalize my necklace further?

Yes. Use “Fully customize this necklace” to request another size, color, cord, leather version or, depending on the design, an adaptation of the composition.

Will my creation look exactly like the photographs?

Cultured pearls, gemstones and other natural materials may present subtle variations in shape, color, surface or tone. These differences make each creation slightly unique.

Can this necklace be made for a child?

When this option is available, yes. Thanks to the sliding knots, an exact measurement is not necessary. Simply select the recipient and the size that best matches their body type.

Where is my necklace assembled?

Our creations are designed and assembled in Saint-Barthélemy. Each necklace is prepared and adjusted according to the options selected when you place your order.

How should I store my necklace?

Before storing your necklace, gently wipe the pearl and the cord with a soft, dry cloth. This removes perspiration, cosmetics and other residues that may affect the materials over time, even while the piece remains in its jewelry box. Store it separately from other jewelry to limit friction.