Tahitian Pearls Info

Tahitian Pearls Info - All you need to know about pearl farming in French Polynesia.

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  • Tahiti Pearl Consortium Project Sparks Controversy: Pearl Professionals Reject Political Interference

    The strategic model proposed by consultant Gaetano Cavalieri, intended to enhance the value of Tahitian pearls, has ignited fierce debate among industry professionals. During a presentation organized by the Ministry of Marine Resources and the Maison de la Perle, sector representatives voiced strong opposition, accusing the government of attempting to seize control of the pearl ecosystem.

    Aline Baldassari-Bernard, President of the Professional Pearl Producers Union (SPPP), acknowledged that while the project appears theoretically sound, it remains unworkable in Polynesia’s context. United in their resistance, industry players condemned the lack of consultation, criticizing the government’s unilateral imposition of this crisis recovery plan.

    Modeled after Italy’s Parma Ham Consortium, the proposal calls for a complete restructuring of Tahitian pearl commerce by July 2013, including:

    • Creation of the Tahiti Pearl Consortium (a mixed-capital purchasing center)
    • Establishment of an international distribution company

    However, professionals expressed concerns about:
    ✔ The consultation’s exorbitant costs
    ✔ Potential exclusion of longstanding Japanese and Chinese buyers
    ✔ Political encroachment on an already vulnerable industry

    In protest, pearl farmers submitted an official letter to President Oscar Temaru, denouncing what they view as political interference in their commercial operations.

  • GIE Tahiti Pearl Auction: First International Auction for Tahitian Pearls

    Established in July 2012 under the presidency of Maeva Wane, the Economic Interest Group (GIE) Tahiti Pearl Auction (TPA) brings together Tahitian cultured pearl producers with the ambition of structuring and revitalizing the market through international auctions. The GIE aims to promote these events within Polynesian territory.

    To this end, GIE Tahiti Pearl Auction has sought logistical support and partnership from the Maison de la Perle to organize this historic first sale.

    The official pearl presentation began on Friday, November 16, 2012, at the Maison de la Perle, located at Place Kohu Kino in the Paofai Gardens. Buyers can view the available lots until Tuesday, November 20, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

    The auction will officially open on Wednesday, November 21, 2012, at 8:00 AM, under the presidency of Marine Resources Minister Temauri Foster, in the Hibiscus Room of the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort. The day will conclude with a closing ceremony followed by a dinner.

    Over 60 international buyers from Japan, Hong Kong, China, Canada, and Europe, along with local buyers, will participate in this event. For this inaugural auction, nearly 350,000 Tahitian cultured pearls will be offered for sale by GIE Tahiti Pearl Auction.

  • Papeete Customs: New Seizure of 108kg of Banned Nuclei Threatens Polynesian Pearl Industry

    Customs officials at Papeete Port have intercepted 108kg of prohibited pearl nuclei intended for oyster grafting—the fifth such seizure in six months, bringing the total confiscated to 543kg. This rigorous enforcement underscores the critical importance of nuclei quality control for French Polynesia’s pearl sector.

    The seized giant clam nuclei produce low-quality, commercially worthless pearls incapable of proper nacre development. Their use violates Decree 1240/CM (August 30, 2007) governing authorized nuclei standards. These five seizures represent approximately 435,000 banned nuclei that could have severely damaged Tahitian pearls’ premium international reputation.

    At the Marine Resources Ministry’s request, customs authorities have strengthened inspections covering:
    ✔ Imported nuclei
    ✔ Domestic pearl circulation
    ✔ Export shipments

    Advanced material identification technologies now support these controls through close customs-marine resources collaboration. The repeated interventions demonstrate Polynesia’s commitment to:

    • Protecting its US$167M pearl industry
    • Maintaining “Tahitian Pearl” brand integrity
    • Complying with international environmental conventions

    “Each confiscation preserves both our economic lifeline and marine biodiversity,” stated a customs spokesperson. With nuclei fraud evolving, authorities vow to intensify surveillance ahead of the key September export season.

  • Innovations in Pearl Farming and Biotechnology: ICP-Texinfine Advances Research in Polynesia

    The Malta-based company ICP-Texinfine has established itself as a cutting-edge biotechnology research laboratory, specializing in harnessing the therapeutic properties of plant species to address various organic disorders and deficiencies.

    At the request of the Marine Resources Directorate (DRM), ICP-Texinfine has expanded its operations to pearl farming in French Polynesia, joining a research project aimed at improving pearl quality. Simultaneously, the laboratory is working on a program to produce nuclei from powdered local pearl oyster shells, thereby enhancing the independence and sustainability of the pearl industry while boosting local employment.

    During recent discussions, Marine Resources Minister Temauri Foster emphasized the importance of ensuring the economic viability of local nucleus production. This need has grown more urgent due to the declining supply of Mississippi mussels, which has significantly impacted global nucleus availability.

    Dr. Gilles Gutierrez, CEO of ICP-Texinfine and recipient of the 2009 Louis Pasteur Medal, presented the DRM with a first batch of next-generation reconstituted nuclei. These nuclei will soon undergo grafting tests on pearl oysters, paving the way for a strengthened partnership to position Tahitian pearls as a 100% Polynesian product in the international market.

    Beyond its pearl farming research, ICP-Texinfine continues to study Polynesian natural resources. Using extracts from Tahitian vanilla, the company has developed DNA-PKASE INHIBAT, a nutritional supplement with antimutagenic effects. Similarly, research on the algae Padina pavonica has led to the creation of DICTYOLONE, a supplement that promotes bone density and skin health.

    Given Polynesia’s exceptional natural resources, ICP-Texinfine is considering establishing a local laboratory dedicated to marine pharmacological formulations. Both the minister and researchers share a common goal: to sustainably and responsibly develop the exploitation of Polynesia’s natural treasures.

  • Rangiroa’s Pearl and Mother-of-Pearl Trade Center: A Springboard to Professional Excellence

    The Pearl and Mother-of-Pearl Trade Center (CMNP) of Rangiroa concludes the 2011/2012 academic year with an impressive 78% success rate.

    This achievement stems from close collaboration between CMNP, SEFI, and pearl industry professionals.

    The 21st cohort, comprising 10 pearl farming trainees, was commended for their dedication. During their first year, students completed:

    • Skills refresher courses
    • Professional Diving Diploma Level 1 (DPP1)
    • Comprehensive pearl production training

    The 20th grafting specialization cohort achieved excellent results: 7 of 9 trainees certified after four-month internships. This success reflects the commitment of private/public partners who provided practice materials. Graduates now qualify as professional grafters – a pivotal industry role.

    Selection for the 22nd cohort admitted 11 new trainees through rigorous psychotechnical testing. They’ll begin with SEFI-upgrading courses before full integration at Rangiroa.

    Bruno Maetz, renowned pearl farmer, attested during CMNP’s advisory council to graduates’ value-added contributions, noting their work ethic and efficiency. He plans continued recruitment from future cohorts.

    CMNP Director Rosita Leduc reaffirmed the center’s mission to train skilled professionals vital to pearl farm success. Since its 1988 establishment, CMNP remains French Polynesia’s premier grafting specialization hub, strengthening sector professionalism.

  • Polynesian Customs: Constant Vigilance to Protect Tahitian Pearls

    On June 10, 2012, customs officers at Tahiti-Faa’a Airport intercepted a major smuggling attempt on ATN Flight 78 bound for Tokyo.

    A Chinese pearl oyster grafter was caught carrying 1,449 high-quality black pearls, skillfully concealed in liquid soap bottles and a powdered chocolate box. The seized lot, valued at over 1,343,000 XPF, resulted in confiscation and substantial fines.

    Weeks earlier, on NZ Flight 41 to Auckland, inspectors discovered 3,739 undeclared black pearls in a professional pearl driller’s luggage – including over 400 rejects. These decisive actions safeguard Tahitian pearls’ international reputation.

    Customs’ vigilance extends beyond pearls. Since January, 430 kg of prohibited nuclei have been intercepted in express parcels. These nuclei, made from protected giant clams (regulated by the Washington Convention), violate Decree 1240/CM of August 30, 2007.

    French Polynesian customs reinforce their critical role as guardians of pearl excellence. Rigorous monitoring of pearl/nuclei imports, exports, and domestic circulation remains paramount. Nineteen pearl-related cases recorded this year demonstrate the scale of illicit activity and the importance of customs penalties.

    Facing threats to this economic cornerstone, Polynesian customs reaffirm their absolute commitment to defending Tahitian pearls’ quality and global prestige.

  • Polynesian Pearl Farmers: Frustration Mounts Over Lack of Reforms, New Actions Threatened

    Since the June 6th protest organized by the Pearl Professionals Union, hopes for regulatory easing appear futile. Despite a belated response from Marine Resources Minister Temauri Foster, pearl farmers condemn a proposed legislation even more restrictive than the contested 2005-42 deliberation – further fueling industry anger and anxiety.

    President Oscar Temaru’s public support during their June 4th meeting has yet to translate into concrete action. Spokesperson Franky Tehaamatai sounds the alarm: “Without intervention, fewer than 100 farms will remain by year’s end.” Their alternative proposal submitted to the minister on June 13th received only an evasive response on June 22nd, citing ongoing administrative review.

    Facing this inertia, farmers accuse authorities of contempt and contemplate drastic measures: abolishing the DSPE tax (Specific Duty on Exported Pearls). Tehaamatai reveals this levy severely impacts revenues, sometimes consuming 50% of struggling operators’ turnover.

    The Union further demands replacing the current pearl grading system with a binary classification: marketable versus non-marketable pearls. Without swift progress, they threaten to blockade the Pearl Farming Department offices as warned during protests.

    Criticism also targets visual/X-ray inspections mandated by deliberation 2005-42. Producers decry arbitrary standards, noting no comparable measures exist in other pearl-producing nations, and condemn unnecessary destruction of quality-compliant pearls.

    Tension continues gripping French Polynesia’s pearl sector as this standoff with authorities reaches a critical juncture.

  • Tahitian Pearls in Hong Kong: Between New Successes and Market Concerns

    From June 20 to 23, Hong Kong’s exhibition center hosted Asia’s third-largest annual jewelry trade show, providing a prime showcase for Tahitian pearls, the gems of Polynesian lagoons.

    Japanese, Chinese, European, and Polynesian wholesalers attracted a predominantly Chinese clientele, despite growing competition from Australian “gold” and “white” pearls.

    The event confirmed a price rebound for Tahitian pearls, particularly for 7-9 mm sizes, highly sought after by buyers. Pearls measuring 10-11 mm remained popular, while exceptional pieces reaching 15-19 mm—and one remarkable 23 mm pearl—captivated visitors.

    Auction sales organized by Poe Raua Nui and Robert Wan Cie on the sidelines proved highly successful. Alfred Martin, president of GIE Poe Rava Nui, expressed satisfaction, while Robert Wan showcased over 200,000 pearls, including a stunning 17 mm round “peacock” pearl with a starting bid of 2.5 million FCFP. Wan nevertheless urged caution, stressing the need to maintain buyer confidence in Polynesia’s stability.

    Johnny Cheng, president of the Tahitian Pearl Association Hong Kong (TPAHK) and Rio Pearls, warned against eliminating export quality controls. He argued these standards are a key selling point for Tahitian pearls in a market where competitors lack such requirements, and abandoning them could flood the market with inferior pearls.

    With Australian “gold” and “white” pearls gaining ground at more competitive prices than black Tahitian pearls, the Maison de la Perle and TPAHK are preparing enhanced promotional campaigns, including participation in Hong Kong’s first annual international jewelry show in September.

    Finally, Robert Wan Cie’s presence at the inaugural JNA Awards, organized by Jewellery News Asia, underscores Polynesian players’ commitment to strengthening Tahitian pearls’ global image.

  • Historic Meeting for Tahitian Pearls: An Innovative Strategy to Revitalize the Sector

    On Thursday, June 7th, the inaugural Pearl Summit took place at the Presidential Palace in Papeete, a landmark event organized by the Maison de la Perle and led by Gaetano Cavalieri.

    This world-renowned consultant specializing in jewelry, gemstones, and pearls—who also serves as President of CIBJO (The World Jewellery Confederation)—gathered sixty key industry figures including Francky Tehamatai and Robert Wan to address the sector’s persistent crisis.

    Cavalieri proposed a bold solution: establishing an international Tahitian pearl distribution company representing a consortium of local producers. Modeled after the successful Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma (founded in 1963 by 23 producers and now comprising 156 members), this initiative could eliminate Chinese and Japanese middlemen—potentially doubling Tahitian pearls’ market value for Polynesian producers.

    The strategy promises to:

    • Boost global brand recognition
    • Increase producer profits
    • Restore Tahitian pearls’ premium positioning

  • Clarity and Collaboration: Marine Resources Directorate Sets the Record Straight

    In response to recent statements by pearl industry professionals circulated in the media, the Marine Resources Directorate has sought to provide clarification, reaffirming its commitment to serving the sector and the country with competence and impartiality.

    During the May 31st protest, accusations of incompetence, favoritism, and discrimination were leveled against its staff. The Directorate emphasizes that its teams are properly trained and that their inspection equipment is regularly calibrated, ensuring measurement accuracy. Furthermore, precise information has been repeatedly shared with professionals in full transparency.

    Regarding disputes, the Directorate notes that counter-examinations are possible: a second X-ray scan is generally sufficient to resolve any doubts, without requiring cutting, which remains an exceptional method.

    The current regulations were established through prior consultations with sector stakeholders. Any changes to these rules must result from collective discussion, not public attacks that could be considered slanderous and potentially lead to individual legal action.

    Lastly, the Marine Resources Directorate calls on all professionals to overcome divisions and work together to restore the pearl sector’s vitality, based on clear rules shared by all stakeholders.