The color of a pearl comes directly from the mantle of the shell, which secretes the nacre required to develop it. This mantle comes in many varieties of color so, the pearl that a shell produces is not usually completely black. The black or dark gray colors of the Cook Island Cultured Pearl combine many hues ranging through Iridescent Greens, Ocean Blues, Pink/Rose, Golden, Platinum or Rainbow highlights. All colors have their special qualities and individual taste should be the criteria
for judging them.

Size

In the Cook Islands, Pinctada Margaritifera produces pearls with an average diameter of 10 - 11mm. While sizes can reach 18mm, pearls of 13mm or more are rare and represent a small percentage of any harvest.

Luster

Luster is the brilliance and reflection of light on the surface of the pearl. Warm and alluring, it is a virtue that combines the quantum nature of light and the subjective view of the beholder.

Shape

The shape of a pearl depends very much on the shell and the whims of nature. In its efforts to rid itself of the irritating nucleus, a shell often turns and moves the object of its discomfort thereby creating many different shapes. Pearl shapes include Round, Semi-Round, Drop,
Baroque, Circle and Button.

Surface Perfection

In addition to the qualities already mentioned, fine pearls will have an absence of surface marks or depressions. But, as with any product of nature it is unusual to find a pearl totally without these markings. Instead they should be considered as evidence of natures art and bear testimony to its creation.