Black Pearls in French Polynesia
Does anyone have any do's/don'ts for buying black pearls in either Tahiti, Bora
Bora or Morea?
They are expensive and they do vary in quality. Many of the stores will sell
earrings that have one good pearl and one not so good. Check out your purchase
for flaws very carefully. Colors vary and are not an indication of value unless
you see rings of color. It that case pass on the pearl. You will also find
street vendors trying to sell you pearls. These are generally not good quality.
We found the best 'buys' in Moorea at Heivai Black Pearl. You can negotiate the
price. The stores will discount at least 20% off of there ticket price. You
also get back the Value Added Tax when you leave by having the form supplied at
the store stamped and mailed. The tax is about 11%. If you are bringing them
back to the U.S., declare them if you are over your exemption. It is not that
expensive to pay the duty and it beaks the alternatives. You are allowed a
number of unmounted duty free.
Check out http://www.pacific-communication.pf/Moorea/pearlsA.html for some of
the dealers.