Luster is determined by the reflection of light on the pearl's surface. Very high luster pearls show sharp light reflections, like a mirror. Orient is the underlying play of iridescent colors. Orient is the opalescent interaction of light that can be observed by looking past the lustrous surface and into the many layers of pearl nacre. Tahitian black pearls are always naturally colored.
Pearls have a body color and overtones.
The body colors range from pale silver to dark black. Baroque and circle pearl shapes are the least expensive because they are more commonly harvested. Mabe pearls are formed against the inside of the oyster shell and tend to be flat on one side and domed on the other. They are carved into unique shapes for designer jewelry, allowing one to achieve a larger look at a generally lower price than a round or drop pearl of the same size. The average size for Tahitian black pearls is 8 to 11 mm.