A delegation from the Tahitian Pearl Association of Hong Kong (TPAHK), led by Ida Wong, was recently warmly welcomed in Tahiti.
This visit marks an important moment in the relationship between Tahiti and Hong Kong in the pearl industry and is part of efforts to strengthen the presence of Tahitian pearls in the Asian market.
The reception brought together several key figures from the pearl sector in French Polynesia, including Aline Baldassari-Bernard and Sabine Lorillou from the Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia (TPAFP), as well as Hinano Teanotoga, Director of the Polynesian Investment Delegation, and Poerava Guilloux-Dumont, Technical Advisor for Pearl Farming at the Ministry of Primary Resources. These meetings helped strengthen ties between the two associations and discuss collaboration opportunities.
Founded in 2007, the TPAHK’s mission is to enhance the image of Tahitian cultured pearls in China. The association works to continuously promote these pearls while keeping the market informed about the latest developments in the pearl industry. It also encourages the use of Tahitian cultured pearls in a sector traditionally dominated by freshwater white pearls.
The event was an opportunity to invite the winners of the 2017 Hong Kong International Jewellery Design Competition, Zhen Le and Jian Xiang Zhou, to participate in the fifth edition of the Tahiti Study Tour. For one week, these talented jewelers will have the chance to visit the Pearl Museum, a pearl farm, and the island of Bora Bora. Photo sessions with model Kimmy Low, Miss Jewelry Hong Kong 2017, are also planned to promote and raise awareness among the new generation of jewelry designers about the unique world of Tahitian pearls.
Ida Wong, Director of TPAHK, expressed her enthusiasm for this immersive experience, made possible thanks to financial support from the country and the TPAFP. She emphasized the importance of this visit in inspiring Hong Kong jewelry professionals, hoping that this experience will encourage the creation of unique designs inspired by Tahitian cultured pearls.
In terms of figures, Hong Kong accounted for 64.6% of raw Tahitian pearl imports in 2017, totaling 9,518 kg. Over the years, Hong Kong has become a key hub for pearl trading, with many major transactions taking place at exhibitions and auctions. This strong relationship between Polynesia and Hong Kong continues to open exciting prospects for the future of Tahitian pearls in the international market.
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