Chinese pearl farmers have developed a sophisticated technique to dye their freshwater pearls, passing them off as black pearls.
This practice poses a significant threat to the reputation and authenticity of the Tahitian Pearl. According to Aline Baldassari, President of the Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia (TPAFP), these counterfeits have become difficult to distinguish, even for industry professionals, exposing consumers to a risk of confusion.
Although technological solutions have been explored to ensure pearl traceability, these initiatives face economic constraints. In response, the TPAFP proposes creating a distinctive label to protect the Tahitian Pearl in the international market. This label would certify the origin and quality of the pearls, with strict criteria such as the use of an authentic nucleus and nacre sourced exclusively from the Tuamotu archipelago.
This certification, which will be carried out in France and protected by European law, aims to reinforce the authentic image of Tahitian pearls and ensure consumer trust worldwide. Simultaneously, verification campaigns will be implemented in Hong Kong to prevent the misuse of the “Tahitian Pearl” brand by producers of fake black pearls.
Thus, this initiative seeks to preserve the integrity of Tahitian pearl farming and guarantee the provenance of pearls sold in international markets.
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