French Polynesia, a sandy archipelago in the middle of the sparkling blue Pacific, is best known for the tropical island of Tahiti. This idyllic enclave is as valued for its crystal waters and black sand beaches as it is for the unique pearls that bear its name. The pride of Polynesia, the best Tahitian pearls are valued for their flawless, spherical surfaces and deep blue-green hues, although they can come in many shapes and sizes.

Black pearls are French Polynesia's second largest source of commerce, falling only behind tourism. The two, however, go hand in hand. Many travellers pick some up as souvenirs of their tropical adventure, but few know how the pearls on their neck got to the display cases in the first place.