Also on the island of Moorea, we had the opportunity to visit a farm where the famous Tahitian black pearl is harvested. We were taken out across the clear blue water in a boat to the "farm" where oysters are kept in traps until their pearls are fully developed.
Afterwards, we were taken into the sales office to buy these authentic black pearls. This excursion should be done by everyone, since it is so typical of the area, but be careful of the sales push. Who can pass up a true black pearl?
If you do buy one, keep the receipt and all the papers with you and get it appraised when you get home. I never had the chance to, and when mine was stolen, I had no clue as to its actual value.