Tahitian Pearls Info

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

Tahitian pearls at the best price

Perles de Tahiti au meilleur prix

  • Discovering Marine Treasures: Ifremer Opens Its Doors to the Public in Vairao

    On the occasion of Science Week, Ifremer invites the public to an open house this Saturday, October 5, at its laboratories in Vairao.

    A fascinating dive into the behind-the-scenes of Polynesian marine research, where visitors can discover the institute’s groundbreaking work on pearl oysters, blue shrimp, paraha peue (Polynesian flounder), giant clams, and many other marine treasures.

    A global leader in pearl oyster research, the French Institute for Ocean Science outshines even Australian, Chinese, and Japanese references. “Our publications shine internationally,” proudly states Gilles Le Moullac, head of the Marine Resources Unit. “We collaborate with researchers worldwide, and our influence is recognized in top scientific journals.”

    Beyond pearl farming, Ifremer excels in many key areas: blue shrimp farming, paraha peue research, studying giant clams in the face of climate change, and much more. A day to engage with scientists and explore the mysteries of Polynesian lagoons.

    Practical info: Free admission from 8:30 AM to 3 PM in Vairao (PK 13 from Taravao, ocean side). A large sign marks the institute. Numerous workshops will be hosted by Ifremer, the Marine Resources Department, and IRSN. Children can even participate in an educational scavenger hunt with prizes.

    Ifremer at a glance: Founded in 1972 as CNEXO, the institute merged in 1984 to become Ifremer. Today, it conducts globally recognized ocean research and plays a key role in Polynesian aquaculture—pearls, fish, shrimp. With 36 permanent staff, civic service volunteers, and PhD students, it works in synergy with Criobe, the University, IRD, and Institut Malardé.

    A tangible impact on daily life:

    • Blue shrimp: The result of 20 years of research in the 1980s, now preserved by the government through a broodstock conservation program.
    • Paraha peue: Closely monitored by Ifremer, which helps master its reproduction and investigates a mysterious disease.
    • Pearl oyster: Since the 1980s, Ifremer has played a crucial role in understanding this iconic species, aiding in pearl farm development and concession planning.
    • Algal blooms: A concerning phenomenon emerging over the past six years, sometimes deadly to oysters. Ifremer works hand-in-hand with Institut Malardé to analyze their origin.
    • Giant clams: In collaboration with UPF, a research program has been assessing the effects of climate change on this reef keystone species for four and a half years.

    With four decades of commitment, Ifremer stands as a pillar of applied research in Polynesia, shedding light on the present and future challenges facing our lagoons.

  • Pearl Oyster Air Transport: A Race Against Time for French Polynesia’s Pearl Industry

    An unusual aerial ballet unfolds in Polynesian skies: Air Tahiti’s passenger ATR 72 aircraft transform into specialized cargo carriers. Instead of travelers, their cabins now carefully transport 130,000 pearl oysters between Manihi and Raiatea in a mission critical to the territory’s pearl industry.

    Only two specially modified ATR 72s in the fleet can handle this delicate operation. “We completely reconfigure the interior,” explains Thierry Caer, Technical Director. “Seats removed, loading rails installed, and protective shoji paneling added to shield the precious cargo.” In under three hours, the plane becomes a 74m³ flying hold capable of carrying 12 pallets.

    On the ground in Manihi, tension runs high. Each oyster is meticulously weighed to stay within the 5-ton payload limit. While expensive, air transport proves essential. “This keeps our oysters 100% healthy,” says pearl farmer Tapu. The rapid transit ensures specimens arrive stress-free and undamaged, ready for the next growth phase.

    After ninety tense minutes airborne, the ATR lands in Raiatea. Now begins a carefully choreographed offloading operation where every second counts. “Thermal shock is our enemy,” says logistics agent Roland Peni-Marae as workers swiftly transfer oysters to waiting boats. Empty containers are immediately reloaded for the next shipment.

    Pearl farm operator Alfred Martin has invested nearly 10 million Fcfp (≈$90,000) in this airborne restocking effort. Five boats stand ready at dock to return the oysters to sea at his Tahaa farm. There, under constant monitoring, they’ll continue developing what growers hope will become flawless Tahitian pearls.

    This unsung logistical marvel highlights modern pearl farming’s complex demands—where cutting-edge aviation, split-second timing, and generations of marine knowledge intersect to sustain one of Polynesia’s most iconic industries.

  • Takaroa: Polynesian Government Rushes to Aid Pearl Farmers Still Reeling from Vaitia Disaster

    In a significant show of support, the Council of Ministers has approved a measure waiving 2019 maritime domain usage fees for Takaroa’s pearl farmers—a direct response to the lingering economic and environmental impacts of the 2014 Vaitia ecological crisis that devastated the atoll’s pearl industry.

    The turquoise waters of Takaroa’s lagoon in the Tuamotu archipelago faced an unprecedented algal bloom five years ago. The Vaitia phenomenon triggered an ecological disaster: oxygen depletion, mass oyster die-offs, and near-total failure of spat collection. Existing pearl farms suffered devastating losses, with most grafted oysters perishing and survivors still struggling to reach maturity.

    Today, Vaitia’s scars remain visible. Spat collection rates stay critically low, while once-productive lagoon zones lie fallow. This emergency tax relief acknowledges both the industry’s fragile recovery and Takaroa’s vital economic dependence on pearl farming—where nearly 70% of livelihoods connect to the sector.

    The 2019 fee exemption serves dual purposes:

    1. Economic First Aid: Immediate financial breathing room for farmers facing 40-60% reduced production capacity
    2. Ecological Warning: Highlights lagoon ecosystems’ vulnerability to climate-driven disruptions

    “This isn’t just about fees—it’s about giving our lagoon time to heal,” explains local pearl farmer Tearii Labaste. “When oysters starve for oxygen, their nacre weakens. We’re essentially restarting our farms from zero.”

    The measure coincides with new scientific monitoring initiatives by the French Polynesia Marine Resources Department to better predict and prevent future algal blooms. As climate change increases the frequency of such events, the government’s intervention sets a precedent for adaptive management in Polynesia’s $200 million pearl industry—where environmental stewardship now proves as crucial as business acumen.

  • Rikitea Launches Its First Pearl Farming Management Committee: A New Era for the Industry

    Rikitea has made Polynesian pearl farming history. On Wednesday evening, the Gambier Islands officially inaugurated its first pearl farming management committee—a structure made possible by landmark 2017 legislation. Fifty of the island’s 167 pearl farmers gathered at the town hall to elect representatives who will collectively advocate for this evolving industry.

    Thomas Esen, a respected industry leader, was chosen to chair the committee. After two hours of robust discussion, he was selected to represent Rikitea’s producers on Tahiti’s Pearl Commission. His mandate: bridging grassroots realities with policymaking at the territorial level.

    The island’s exponential growth underscores this initiative’s importance—Rikitea now dedicates 2,000 hectares to pearl farming, up from just 1,300 two years ago. This rapid expansion demands better organization, sustained institutional dialogue, and stronger professional coordination.

    For Esen, the committee marks a pivotal advance: “We must speak with one voice, structure ourselves, and collaborate to address our industry’s challenges—whether production crises, quality standards, or market difficulties.”

    The body will also serve as an information hub, communicating new regulations and decisions affecting farmers. This promises swifter responses and better adaptation to industry changes.

    By pioneering this model, Rikitea sets a precedent other islands may soon follow—ushering in strengthened local governance for pearl farming through professional solidarity.

  • Hong Kong: The Promising Revival of Pearl Cultivation

    Off the eastern shores of Hong Kong, a handful of enthusiasts are breathing new life into a nearly forgotten tradition. At the forefront is Yan Wa-tat, a former banker turned researcher, who patiently tends to 2,000 Akoya pearl oysters on his floating raft—hoping to revive an industry that once thrived in these waters.

    Until the 1980s, pearl farming was deeply woven into Hong Kong’s economic fabric. But overfishing, pollution, and foreign competition led to its collapse. Now, Yan is blending ancient techniques with cutting-edge science to reverse this decline.

    His pioneering work involves embedding RFID chips into the nuclei implanted within oysters—allowing pearl development tracking without disturbing the mollusks. This breakthrough could revolutionize quality control and traceability in the global pearl industry.

    The efforts are showing promise. Last March, fishermen inspired by Yan’s project harvested local Akoya pearls—the first such yield in decades. Among them, Leung Kam-ming now cultivates 30,000 oysters and sees bright prospects for this renewed sector.

    Yet challenges remain: attracting younger generations. Of the thousand registered fishing rafts in Hong Kong waters, 90% sit unused. Yan hopes demonstrating the craft’s profitability and sustainability will spark renewed interest.

    With passion, patience, and technological ingenuity, Hong Kong may once again become a respected name in the prestigious world of pearls—proving that even forgotten traditions can find new luster.

  • Robert Wan: The Destiny of a Pearl Emperor

    From the remote village of Qing Xi in Guangdong province to the display windows of the world’s most prestigious capitals, Robert Wan’s life has been crafted like a pearl: slowly, patiently, layer by layer. This extraordinary journey is chronicled in Paule Laudon’s recent book Robert Wan, La route de la perle (Robert Wan: The Pearl Route), published by Au Vent des îles.

    The product of two years of research, interviews, and travels, the book unveils the many facets of this discreet yet visionary man often called the “Pearl Emperor.” From his daily life in Tahiti to his global ambitions, through dark chapters of history including nuclear testing and economic crises, Laudon paints the portrait of a resilient pioneer.

    Wan’s passion for pearls began almost by chance in 1972 but became his life’s work. These living jewels grew into the heart of his empire. Laudon accompanies him to Marutea atoll in the Tuamotu archipelago, revealing the gestures, choices, and philosophy of a man who cultivates pearls as one might cultivate an art of living.

    The book traces 29 milestones of an exceptional destiny, weaving between Chinese traditions and Polynesian horizons, from Paris to Tokyo, Doha to Dubai. A path marked by triumphs and doubts, yet always guided by an unshakable belief in beauty and patience.

    Now in his 80s, Robert Wan shows no signs of stopping. New projects take shape: a museum in Macau, markets to conquer in Russia and South America. “Robert acts. Robert savors. Robert reflects,” writes Laudon. And above all, Robert continues to dream.

  • Polynesia’s Pearl Industry Reform: The Controversial “Category E” Debate

    On May 6, 2019, the Syndicate of Small and Medium-Sized Pearl Farmers of French Polynesia (SPMPF) raised urgent concerns during a press conference about the consequences of the 2017 pearl industry reform. SPMPF President Mia Williams warned the legislation could damage Tahitian pearls’ global reputation.

    The Core Controversy
    The reform introduced a problematic “Category E” classification with ambiguous quality standards. Professionals argue this vague category threatens to undermine the exacting criteria – color, luster, shape, and nacre thickness – that historically guaranteed the gems’ value.

    Industry Demands
    Supported by the Toaura Economic Interest Group (led by Marcelle Howard), the SPMPF demands:

    1. Complete elimination of Category E
    2. Strengthened export quality controls
      These measures are deemed essential to protect the integrity of Polynesian pearls in international markets.

    Additional Concerns
    Pearl farmers fear the reform’s reduced nacre thickness minimum could:
    • Encourage sales of immature pearls
    • Trigger harmful overproduction
    • Further strain an industry already facing declining Chinese demand (Tahitian pearls’ primary market)

    Divergent Perspectives
    Aline Baldassari of the Professional Pearl Producers’ Union acknowledges the reform’s imperfections but argues it represents necessary progress toward industry restructuring.

    At this critical juncture, the Polynesian pearl sector faces a fundamental choice: Will upcoming legal adjustments preserve Tahitian pearls’ premium status or enable a race to the bottom? The decisions made now may determine the future of this iconic natural treasure.

  • High-Value Pearl Theft: Customs’ Bold Operation at Faa’a Airport

    On December 31, 2018, just before New Year’s celebrations, Faa’a customs officers conducted a dramatic operation to intercept a major pearl theft. Acting on precise intelligence from the Border Police (PAF), authorities intercepted two Chinese employees of a pearl farm attempting to return to their home country via Japan.

    A thorough inspection revealed both women were smuggling pearls on their persons. The first had concealed 561 pearls and 27 keishi pearls in her undergarments, while the second hid 346 pearls using the same method. These high-value, exceptional-quality pearls had been stolen directly from their employer’s pearl farm, causing significant financial damage to the business.

    The confiscated pearls will undergo expert valuation. French Polynesia’s pearl trade operates under strict regulations ensuring traceability and protecting this vital economic sector. All pearl exports require specific documentation, with customs playing a key oversight role.

    The pearl farm owner has filed theft charges, and judicial proceedings are underway with a formal report to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. This high-value pearl theft could lead to severe legal consequences for those involved.

    High-Value Pearl Theft: Customs' Bold Operation at Faa'a Airport

  • Tahitian Black Pearls Win Over Gentlemen

    Once considered almost exclusively feminine adornments, Tahitian black pearls are now captivating a growing number of men—a trend Polynesian jewelers have been closely observing in recent years.

    Luc Arles, manager of Arles Luc jewelry store, attributes this shift to changing male attitudes: “Men are increasingly seeking jewelry. Some, like metrosexuals, pay more attention to their appearance, adopting a more refined or even hipster style. Polynesians have always cherished pearls and feel deeply connected to these ocean treasures.”

    To meet this emerging demand, jewelers are showcasing their creativity by designing masculine pearl jewelry that blends Polynesian influences with contemporary tastes. “I try to merge Polynesian motifs with tattoo-inspired designs while incorporating pearls to maintain a masculine aesthetic,” explains Arles.

    This cultural evolution finds particular resonance among younger generations. “It’s great that men can wear pearls too,” remarks one local, while another adds, “They look just as good on men.”

    To better understand this market shift, the Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia recently conducted groundbreaking research—the first of its kind—analyzing the local black pearl market. The study reveals key consumer trends and provides valuable insights to help jewelers cater to their growing male clientele.

  • The Black Gold of the Atolls: The Untold Story of Pearl Shell Fishing in Hikueru

    The Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia (TPAFP) is launching a new campaign to reintroduce Tahitian pearls to local communities, with a special focus on the history of pearl shell fishing in Hikueru in 1912. This initiative offers a chance to rediscover mother-of-pearl, often called the “black gold of the atolls,” through vintage postcards depicting this fundamental Polynesian activity.

    Mother-of-pearl played a vital role across the Eastern Pacific, serving not only as material for tools and ceremonial ornaments but also for crafting body adornments. Pearls extracted from pearl oysters were transformed into pendants and other valuable objects. The significance of pearl shell fishing became evident from the first encounters between islanders and Europeans, revealing ancestral expertise that has endured through centuries.

    A report from 1863 provides a glimpse into the lives of Polynesian divers of that era, highlighting their remarkable agility and diving techniques. These divers—primarily from local families—could reach impressive depths of 25 to 30 meters in the Tuamotu lagoons to retrieve oysters, which were then consumed or sold to traders. This knowledge was passed down through generations, fostering a symbiotic relationship with the ocean.

    By the 19th century, South Seas trade flourished, with mother-of-pearl standing alongside whale oil, copra, and fruit as prized commodities. As early as 1820, Polynesian mother-of-pearl was sought after in major European cities, where it was crafted into diverse objects like fans, jewelry boxes, dice, dominoes, and buttons—all in high demand.

    Pearl oyster harvesting in Polynesian lagoons evolved rapidly, with fishermen increasingly specializing in collecting large specimens. Tuamotu divers gained worldwide recognition for their skill in gathering oysters from sometimes extreme depths. However, intensive exploitation by traffickers and pearl companies—lasting until the 1950s—depleted natural resources in some of the richest areas.

    The introduction of diving suits in the 1880s and the first diving goggles in 1908 modernized fishing techniques. The required diving depths to extract shells from coral beds gradually increased, making pearl shell fishing ever more technical and complex. Polynesia’s richest deposits were identified and exploited on a large scale starting in the 1850s, marking a turning point in the region’s pearl cultivation history.