Tahitian Pearls Info

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

Tahitian pearls at the best price

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  • Crucial Reform for Tahiti’s Pearl Industry: A New Momentum for the Pearl Sector

    The Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia (TPAFP) has launched a new campaign under the theme “The Tahitian Cultured Pearl, the First Jewel of Polynesians,” aimed at (re)introducing this unique treasure to the local population.
    This initiative is part of a major legislative reform adopted in July 2017, designed to revitalize French Polynesia’s pearl industry.

    For years, the pearl sector had been facing a crisis that demanded a complete overhaul of its legal framework to better address industry challenges. The law enacted in July 2017 was crafted to regulate professional activities related to pearl and mother-of-pearl production and trade. Its primary goal is to ensure sustainable resource management while protecting the environment—a critical concern for the future of this industry.

    Aline Baldassari, President of the Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia, emphasizes the importance of this reform, which she considers an essential response to industry professionals’ demands and market fluctuations. The reform also seeks to streamline administrative processes, previously seen as a hindrance by pearl farmers.

    The law, passed in July 2017 and supplemented by 12 decrees through September 2018, introduces several key measures to structure the pearl industry. These include:

    • Mandatory production volume declarations
    • Professional licenses for each trade
    • Required reporting of stock levels, purchases, and sales
    • Technical approval for nucleus imports to ensure quality and compliance

    Other notable provisions:

    • Mandatory oyster detachment before transfer
    • Production quotas and ecological management caps
    • New nacre thickness evaluation for cultured pearls to guarantee quality
    • Establishment of a Pearl Farming Council and local management committees to strengthen sector governance

    While the full benefits of this reform may take two to three years to materialize, it marks a true revolution for the industry. The goal is to revive the pearl sector and enhance the international reputation of Tahitian pearls. Its success hinges on industry professionals’ adaptability and the full commitment of all stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability and prosperity of this vital economic pillar for French Polynesia.

  • Discovering the Tahitian Pearl: Practical Tips for Making an Informed Choice

    The Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia (TPAFP) has launched a campaign titled “The Tahitian Cultured Pearl, the First Jewel of Polynesians” to reintroduce this treasure to the local population.
    In this article, we explore the essential criteria for choosing the perfect pearl—a decision that may vary depending on cultural and personal preferences.

    A pearl’s beauty is ultimately subjective, but several key factors can guide your selection to find the one that best suits you. Here’s an overview of the elements to consider when making your choice.

    Pearl Shapes: Tahitian pearls come in three main shape categories:

    • Spherical (perfect or semi-perfect)
    • Symmetrical (teardrop, oval, button, semi-baroque)
    • Asymmetrical (baroque)

    Surface & Luster: It’s essential to examine the pearl’s surface for flaws such as rings, pits, scratches, or cracks. The luster—the way light reflects off the nacre—ranges from brilliant (excellent quality) to dull (lower quality).

    Pearl Grades: Pearls are classified from TOP GEM (flawless pearls) to E (pearls with visible imperfections). This grading system evaluates surface quality, luster, and blemishes.

    Additional Criteria:

    • The pearl’s dominant color should be even and uniform, though secondary hues may appear.
    • The nacre thickness around the nucleus plays a crucial role in durability and beauty.
    • Size typically ranges from 8 to 14 mm, though some pearls can reach up to 21 mm.

    In summary, selecting the ideal pearl depends on factors such as shape, surface quality, luster, grade, color, and size. The TPAFP’s campaign aims to educate Polynesians about these criteria so they can make well-informed choices when selecting a Tahitian pearl.

  • Protecting the Tahitian Pearl from Counterfeits: A Strategic Response to the Chinese Threat

    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.

  • Discovering the Artisans Behind Tahitian Pearls: A Journey into Traditional Crafts

    “The Tahitian cultured pearl, Polynesia’s first jewel.” This powerful statement anchors the latest awareness campaign by the Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia (TPAFP), designed to reconnect Polynesians with the beauty and significance of their pearl heritage. Today, we invite you behind the scenes to meet the skilled artisans who transform nature’s wonder into exquisite jewelry.

    The Pearl’s Journey: From Ocean to Jewelry

    A Tahitian pearl’s path from oyster to ornament involves multiple specialists, each playing a vital role as defined by Polynesia’s 2017 pearl farming legislation. Here are the key craftspeople who bring these gems to life:

    1. The Nucleus Merchant

    The journey begins with the nucleus—a small mother-of-pearl bead implanted in the oyster. These essential components are sourced, recycled, or imported by specialized merchants before being sold to pearl farmers.

    2. The Grafter (Pearl Technician)

    With surgical precision, this master artisan implants the nucleus into the oyster. Their expertise directly impacts pearl quality, making this one of the industry’s most skilled (and delicate) professions.

    3. The Pearl Oyster Farmer

    From artificial fertilization to larval rearing and oyster transplantation, these farmers oversee the entire growth cycle until oysters are ready for grafting or sale.

    4. The Pearl Producer

    Responsible for grafting, nurturing, and harvesting, these professionals can sell both raw and finished pearl products—the backbone of Tahiti’s pearl economy.

    5. The Pearl Wholesaler

    Acting as market connectors, wholesalers purchase pearls from producers and supply retailers worldwide with raw and processed pearls.

    6. The Jewelry Retailer

    These businesses transform pearls into wearable art, selling finished jewelry pieces to consumers through boutique shops and galleries.

    7. The Traditional Pearl Artisan

    Specializing in culturally significant designs, these craftsmen create handcrafted pearl items that celebrate Polynesian heritage.

    Preserving the Craft: Education at Rangiroa

    The Centre des Métiers de la Nacre et de la Perliculture (CMNP) in Rangiroa offers intensive 24-month training programs, teaching everything from basic pearl farming to advanced grafting techniques—ensuring these traditional skills endure for future generations.

    For those interested in joining this luminous trade:
    Contact the Direction des Ressources Marines et Minières or visit the CMNP in Rangiroa to explore educational opportunities in pearl cultivation and craftsmanship.

  • The Legacy of Tahitian Pearls: From Prehistoric Origins to Luxury Empire

    “The Tahitian cultured pearl, Polynesia’s first jewel.” This is the theme of the latest campaign by the Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia (TPAFP), an initiative aimed at rediscovering Tahitian pearls. In this article, we invite you to explore the captivating history of this gem—from its emergence 550 million years ago to its flourishing in modern Polynesian pearl farms.

    The Pearl Oyster: A 550-Million-Year-Old Legacy

    Oysters, members of the vast mollusk family, share a common ancestor with worms, snails, and octopuses. Some 550 million years ago—long before the Cambrian explosion—the first nacre-producing bivalves appeared, giving rise to over 8,000 bivalve species, 2,800 of which can produce pearls. The Pinctada margaritifera, or black-lipped oyster, is the iconic species of Polynesian waters. Found across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, it yields pearls ranging from white-gray to black, with Polynesia’s cumingii variety producing unique iridescent black pearls.

    From Traditional Harvest to Overexploitation

    Ancient Polynesians used mother-of-pearl and pearls for ceremonial and artisanal objects. However, with the arrival of Europeans, demand for mother-of-pearl surged, opening new markets. Traditional diving-based harvesting was initially sustainable, but by the 19th century, organized overexploitation had depleted shallow-water oyster populations. Mother-of-pearl became a prized commodity, used for buttons and fashion accessories.

    Pearl Farms of Polynesia: From Experiment to Billion-Dollar Industry

    By the 1950s, overfishing threatened wild oysters, prompting the establishment of an experimental pearl farm in Hikueru in 1961—marking the birth of pearl aquaculture in Polynesia. Under the leadership of Jean-Marie Domard and with the expertise of a Japanese grafter, the experiment succeeded, revealing Tahitian pearls’ immense potential. This breakthrough led to private farms, propelling Polynesia into a thriving industry.

    The 1980s saw explosive growth, with pearl exports exceeding 10 billion CFP francs by 1990. Yet a decade-long crisis—driven by overproduction and declining quality—tested the industry. Strict regulations and patience eventually spurred its revival. Today, despite fluctuations, pearl farming remains French Polynesia’s second-largest source of foreign revenue.

    The Empire of Robert Wan

    In 1974, Robert Wan entered the pearl industry by acquiring Tahiti Perles. He became the world’s largest producer and exporter of black pearls, elevating Polynesia onto the global luxury stage. Though the 1998 market crash forced a pause, his eventual comeback solidified his status as a titan of the pearl trade.

    From humble beginnings to its current brilliance, the Tahitian pearl remains an inseparable gem in French Polynesia’s history and economy—a legacy as enduring as the ocean that nurtures it.

  • Manihi: The Forgotten Atoll of Pearls – A Testament to a Glorious Past and the Struggle for Revival

    The atoll of Manihi, once the beating heart of pearl farming in French Polynesia, has seen its brilliance fade after hosting over 70 pearl farms in the 1980s and 90s. Today, fewer than ten farms remain, struggling under the weight of a prolonged crisis. The once-thriving industry has yet to recover from the dramatic drop in prices that upended the local economy.

    The Rise and Fall of Pearl Farming

    Pearl farming in French Polynesia began in 1961 in the pristine waters of Hikueru Atoll. The government, convinced of pearls’ potential, had invested 10 million Fcfp (French Pacific francs) as early as 1956 to exploit the Pinctada margaritifera oyster. Jean Domard, a French veterinarian and head of the Fisheries Department, played a key role in this success, paving the way for the industry’s golden age.

    In December 1963, the first harvest of commercially viable round pearls yielded 276 gems. This breakthrough led to grafting attempts in Bora Bora, but private enterprises soon took over. Manihi became the first site for private pearl farms with the founding of the Société Perlière de Manihi (SPM) in 1968, led by Jacques Rosenthal and Australian biologist William Reed.

    Over the years, pearl farming expanded to the Tuamotu, Gambier, and Leeward Islands, though the Austral and Marquesas Islands remained untouched. However, overproduction—combined with management missteps and questionable political decisions—triggered a steep price decline. In 1990, pearls sold for 6,490 Fcfp per gram, but by August 2003, the price had plummeted to just 800 Fcfp.

    A Fading Industry, a Lingering Hope

    Today, Tahitian pearls struggle to reinvent themselves, their heyday now a distant memory. Many farms have closed, leaving behind ruins and hundreds of lost jobs. Yet some family-run operations endure, clinging to hope through oyster spat collection.

    A visit to Temotu Perles, run by Michel Grillot near Pension Poerani Nui, reveals these small, resilient ventures fighting to stay afloat. Though the scale of grafting has shrunk, the pioneering spirit that built the industry lives on. Despite challenges, the pearls’ quality remains high, and prices are competitive.

    This journey into Manihi’s pearl-farming world offers a fascinating glimpse into a declining yet hopeful industry. It will captivate adventurers and history enthusiasts, echoing tales of legendary explorers like Henry de Monfreid, whose pearl-hunting expeditions in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa left an indelible mark.

  • The Robert Wan Pearl Museum Celebrates 20 Years of Excellence in the World of Pearls

    The Robert Wan Pearl Museum, the only museum in the world entirely dedicated to Tahitian pearls, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an exclusive, invitation-only gala this Friday, October 5th.
    This milestone marks a significant moment for the museum and for Tahiti’s pearl industry, as one of its most iconic institutions honors two decades of passion and excellence.

    The event promises a memorable celebration, featuring a fashion show highlighting Robert Wan’s latest creations—a highlight for admiring the timeless elegance of Tahitian pearls. An exceptional auction will also take place, offering a unique piece to a privileged buyer. To crown this unforgettable evening, the Pearl Bar by Robert Wan will be unveiled, providing an exclusive experience for pearl and luxury enthusiasts.

    A must-see in Tahiti’s tourism landscape, the museum attracts visitors from around the world every year, whether novices or connoisseurs. It offers a fascinating dive into the world of cultured pearls, revealing the mysteries of their formation and the intricate steps behind their creation. Through detailed exhibits and educational displays, the museum allows everyone to appreciate the subtleties of this unique gem.

    Robert Wan, a true pioneer in pearl farming, shares his knowledge and discoveries about Tahitian cultured pearls while highlighting their symbolism across the ages. His private collection is also showcased, including the world’s largest pearl, named “La Robert Wan”—a rare treasure that captivates pearl enthusiasts and collectors alike.

    This 20th-anniversary celebration is more than just a milestone: it is a tribute to the dedication and passion of a man who has devoted his life to the pearl industry, as well as a unique opportunity to discover—or rediscover—one of Tahiti’s most precious treasures.

  • Visit to Tahiti by a Delegation from the Tahitian Pearl Association of Hong Kong

    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.

  • Arutua: The Revival of the Pearl Industry Through Steve Pommier’s Testimony

    After a difficult period, French Polynesia’s pearl industry is experiencing a revival, particularly on the atolls of Arutua and Rikitea. Arutua, with its 80 pearl farmers, stands out as one of the areas where production is regaining momentum. Among these producers, Steve Pommier, a seasoned pearl farmer with over 20 years of experience, distinguishes himself through impressive results.

    At his pearl farm in Arutua, Steve Pommier and his team of 30 employees produce nearly 300,000 pearls annually. This success is all the more remarkable given the sector’s struggles in recent years. “Things have been improving over the past two years,” he says, highlighting the progress made despite past hardships.

    The pearl industry faced a deep crisis starting in 2008, marked by declining international demand and falling prices. Compounding these challenges were nacre supply issues, particularly on Takaroa atoll, which weighed heavily on production. However, since 2016, the situation has shown signs of recovery, with a slight increase in cultivated areas and the number of producers.

    Steve Pommier notes that he doesn’t just produce high-quality pearls but also generates “off-grade” pearls that, while not meeting the strictest criteria, still find their place in the market. Currently, about 70% of his production is exported, primarily to Japan and China, the main players in the global pearl market. With demand outpacing supply, pearl prices have risen, creating new opportunities for producers.

    Steve Pommier’s pearls now sell for 800 francs per gram, or about 1,200 francs per pearl. This price reflects an increase over the past year and a half, signaling market improvement. To attract foreign buyers, quality work remains essential. Grafting, which accounts for roughly 50% of the production process, is a critical step, and Steve emphasizes the importance of training skilled grafters to ensure high-quality output.

    “We train our own grafters. In the past, we trained eight locals, but only one still works at our farm. The others returned to Papeete. You have to really want to live in the Tuamotus to pursue this career. So we’ve hired Chinese grafters—they’re tougher and more reliable,” he explains.

    Today, Steve Pommier considers Rikitea and Arutua—with its 80 producers—to be the two largest pearl-producing areas in French Polynesia. This positive trend points to a promising future for the local pearl industry.

  • Pearl Farming Forum: Current Issues and Future Prospects

    The Pearl Farming Forum, organized by the Ministry of Primary Resource Development, Land Affairs, Domain Enhancement and Mining, opened its doors, bringing together all sector stakeholders for collective reflection on the future of the pearl industry in French Polynesia.

    This event, marking a key moment for local pearl farming, focuses on three major themes:

    • Promotion of Tahitian cultured pearls
    • Environmental protection
    • Improvement of grafting techniques

    Spanning two days, the forum enabled various participants – producers, decision-makers and scientists – to share their perspectives before an engaged audience. Discussions revolved around three main axes:

    • Enhancing the value of Tahitian cultured pearls
    • Strategies for sustainable and environmentally-friendly pearl farming
    • New grafting techniques to improve pearl quality

    Minister of Primary Resource Development Tearii Alpha opened the forum by emphasizing the importance of pearl farming strategy, calling for concerted collaboration to achieve common goals. He stressed the need to protect lagoons as a prerequisite for establishing eco-responsible pearl farming. The government strategy focuses on quality production while preserving ecosystems, maintaining genetic diversity, regulating hatcheries, improving commercialization organization, and creating a certification label for this approach.

    Pearl quality was also central to discussions, particularly nucleus monitoring as a crucial production element. Tearii Alpha reiterated that pearl quality directly depends on nucleus quality – a fundamental point for ensuring industry sustainability.

    Pearl exports declined by 14.4% in volume and 12.9% in value in 2016 according to the Overseas Issuing Institute (IEOM). However, Tearii Alpha contextualized these figures, noting that despite this decrease, Tahitian pearls remain French Polynesia’s second largest export resource, representing 35% of export revenue, just behind tourism.

    Finally, the 2017 law regulating pearl and mother-of-pearl activities was highlighted. It aims to improve product traceability and establish production quotas per hectare. This legislation intends to ensure stricter sector management from production to export, guaranteeing sustainable and lasting growth for the pearl industry.