Tahitian Pearls Info

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

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  • Tahitian Pearl Shines at 35th International Jewelry Show in Hong Kong

    The Tahitian pearl took center stage at the 35th International Jewelry Show in Hong Kong, which opened this Tuesday.

    This major event highlighted the Tahitian pearl, coinciding with Robert Wan’s auction where over 200,000 pearls were displayed. The Polynesian delegation – comprising Hinano Teanotoga, Director of Marine Resources; Poerava Guilloux-Dumont; and Aline Baldassari-Bernard, President of the Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia (TPAFP) – participated in this pearl celebration.

    The show, held at “Asia World” for wholesalers until September 14, then at Wanchai’s “Convention Center” for retailers from September 14-18, attracts nearly 3,600 exhibitors from 55 countries. About 60,000 attendees representing 156 countries are expected at this industry gathering.

    In the pearls and gemstones pavilion, Tahitian pearls stood out among Japanese, Chinese and Polynesian exhibitors. Tahitian pearls are particularly sought-after by Chinese and Japanese buyers, who appreciate their color variety and connection to French Polynesia’s idyllic image.

    During the event, the Polynesian delegation seized opportunities to meet with buyer associations from China, Japan and North America. These discussions addressed current pearl market trends, regulatory reforms in French Polynesia, and promotion strategies for Tahitian cultured pearls.

    Alongside the show, Robert Wan’s three-day auction presented over 200,000 pearls. While prices showed modest recovery, Robert Wan expressed satisfaction with positive results. For him, promotion remains essential to increase Tahitian pearl visibility, particularly in the Chinese market.

    The TPAFP president confirmed ongoing promotion efforts with partners in Chinese, Japanese and North American markets. A 100 million Fcfp subsidy allocated by French Polynesia to support these promotional efforts will soon be submitted to the Budget and Financial Control Committee of the French Polynesian Assembly for review.

  • Regulatory Reform in Pearl Farming: State Council Partially Approves New Legislation

    On December 13, the French Polynesian Assembly passed a law to reform regulations in the pearl farming sector. On June 28, the State Council issued a significant decision, approving most of the law while rejecting four articles concerning jewelry artisans. Consequently, the law will be promulgated before July 10 without these contested provisions.

    This ruling follows a legal challenge by Pearly Investissements. Tearii Alpha, Minister of Primary Resource Development, clarified that despite the rejection of four articles, the law will still be enacted within the next ten days. The government has pledged swift action to implement the reform starting in July.

    Concurrently, new legislation will be introduced to regulate street vending around markets, aiming to organize this sector while protecting jewelry artisans’ livelihoods. The reform’s overarching goals are to enhance the image of Tahitian cultured pearls, professionalize the industry, and establish strict resource management rules.

    Minister Alpha emphasized the importance of tracking nuclei from production to exported pearls to streamline export procedures. The law will also introduce quotas, environmental and health standards, and transparency requirements for traders. Despite the partial rejection, the minister expressed satisfaction with the State Council’s decision and announced awareness campaigns in pearl-producing islands to prepare professionals for the sector’s reorganization.

  • Court Ruling: EURL Raipoe International Awarded Compensation for Pearl Destruction by French Polynesia

    In a legal dispute between EURL Raipoe International and French Polynesia, the company sought compensation of 124,410,000 FCFP for the destruction of 414,700 pearls by the Pearl Farming Department between 2007 and 2016.

    The pearl trader argued that even if considered rejects, these pearls had market value, particularly when imperfections affected less than half their surface and they could be commercially sold as cut cultured pearls.

    The court acknowledged the quality control exercised by the Pearl Farming Department. However, it also ruled that the deprivation of property resulting from the pearl destruction warranted compensation under Article 17 of the 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. The court concluded the company failed to prove the destroyed pearls could be partially repurposed for commercial use.

    Consequently, the court ordered French Polynesia to pay EURL Raipoe International 10,297,782 FCFP in compensation for the property deprivation of 323,080 pearls destroyed on May 17, 2016.

  • The Galatea Pearl: A Silent Revolution in Pearl Farming

    About a decade ago, an innovative jewel was born: the Galatea pearl, the result of a collaboration between American jewelry designer Chi Huynh and Tahitian pearl farmer John Rere. Though this unique pearl has remained largely under the radar, it emerged from a fortuitous handling error, creating a pearl without a traditional nucleus but instead containing a precious gemstone at its core.

    An Accidental Masterpiece

    The story began in 2000 when John Rere met Huynh, a Vietnamese-American artisan known for embedding diamonds in pearls. Inspired by his technique, Rere invited him to collaborate. By 2006, their partnership yielded the Galatea pearl—a revolutionary jewel born from an engraving mishap.

    A Breakthrough Process

    The Galatea pearl’s production defies traditional pearl farming. Instead of inserting a standard nucleus, a semi-precious stone is implanted during grafting. The pearl forms around this stone, and when cut open, reveals the hidden gem inside. This innovation quickly garnered attention, leading to a patented design.

    Current Production and Challenges

    Today, while John Rere remains the primary producer, the pearls are grafted in French Polynesia and cut in Huynh’s Vietnam workshop. Though locally available since 2013, exports face regulatory hurdles. The creators hope for legislative changes to expand this unique product’s reach while supporting job creation in Polynesia.

    The Galatea pearl represents a quiet revolution—an original, distinctive alternative to the classic Tahitian pearl.

  • Pearl Farming Reform in Tahiti: Contentious Bill Passes After Heated Debates

    On Tuesday, December 13, 2016, the Tahiti Assembly approved a bill regulating professional activities related to the production and marketing of pearl and mother-of-pearl products in French Polynesia. The reform sparked intense debate among assembly members, who expressed divergent views on the legislation’s potential impact on the pearl industry.

    Political Divide on Reform

    The discussions were largely dominated by the Rassemblement pour une majorité autonomiste (RMA) group, which backed the bill. Charles Fong Loi, a representative of the group, praised the initiative as addressing the sector’s current crisis. He emphasized lagoon protection measures and the creation of advisory committees to empower local stakeholders, calling the reform “essential for the long-term viability of Polynesian pearl farming.”

    In contrast, the Tahoera’a huiraatira group expressed reservations, supporting certain provisions while raising concerns. Monique Richeton of the orange party criticized the elimination of systematic pearl inspections, arguing this could undermine product traceability and sector competitiveness. She contended the government appeared to be restricting pearl trade—a point that fueled heated exchanges.

    Regulatory Concerns and Defense

    The Competition Authority reiterated earlier warnings about potential market distortions. However, Teva Rohfritsch, Minister of the Blue Economy, staunchly defended the reform, stating it aimed to “balance production control with sector-wide support.”

    Outcome and Implications

    After two hours of debate, the bill passed with 29 votes in favor, 14 against, and 10 abstentions. Despite objections, the reform clears the way for stricter, more transparent regulation of French Polynesia’s pearl industry—a sector accounting for 70% of local exports and 1,300+ jobs.

  • Polynesian Pearl Farming Reform: Government Clarifies Position Following Competition Authority’s Remarks

    In response to concerns raised by the Polynesian Competition Authority regarding the pearl farming reform, Minister Teva Rohfritsch issued a statement detailing the government’s position on several points highlighted by the Authority. The latter had identified potential competition distortions and made recommendations concerning certain provisions of the proposed bill. Below is a summary of the minister’s responses to the key issues addressed.

    Consultation and Timelines

    The government justifies the relatively tight deadlines by the need to submit a finalized bill for consultation. It emphasizes the importance of achieving broad consensus among professionals and elected officials, while welcoming the Authority’s prompt feedback despite time constraints.

    Reform Objectives

    The minister reiterates that the primary goal of the reform is to regulate production and enhance the value of Tahitian pearls, while preserving the environment and adopting sustainable practices. He notes that existing regulations have failed to reverse the decline in pearl values and highlights lagoon degradation, calling for necessary reforms to ensure a more responsible future.

    Competition Analysis

    Regarding the Authority’s concerns about competition distortions, the government clarifies that the new regulations prioritize ecological considerations. Criteria for administrative permits are designed to protect natural resources and lagoons while minimizing market distortions.

    Regulation of Pearl Farming Professions

    The minister explains that the proposed framework aims to professionalize the sector, particularly by ensuring product traceability, without imposing excessive control over commercial transactions. Market standards and buyer expectations will dictate requirements to ensure responsible and transparent management.

    Implementation of Quotas

    The government acknowledges shortcomings in communicating quota-setting rules during technical hearings. It specifies that quotas are calculated based on occupied surface areas and apply equally to all farms.

    Quality Standards Revision

    The government supports not rigidly classifying pearls in the law, arguing that flexibility will better meet market demands. It also proposes labeling pearl products to recognize regional specificities and enhance local production value.

    New Governance Structure

    On governance, the government stresses that committee composition will be balanced, ensuring representation from all sector stakeholders. These advisory bodies will make objective and transparent decisions. The Pearl Farming Council will propose quotas, which will then be finalized by ministerial decree.

    Conclusion and Remarks on the Authority

    The government reaffirms that the reform aims not to burden regulations but to address new challenges in sustainable resource management. It emphasizes the need for constructive dialogue among sector players and proposes local platforms to strengthen communication. Lastly, the government contends that the Competition Authority overstepped its mandate by commenting on international trade and quality standards, which fall outside its jurisdiction.

  • Competition Authority Criticizes Pearl Farming Reform in Polynesia: Competition Distortions Highlighted

    The Competition Authority recently issued a critical opinion regarding the proposed local government bill to reform pearl farming regulations in French Polynesia. In its statement, the Authority highlights several potential competition distortions and proposes recommendations to address these issues. The bill will be reviewed this Tuesday by assembly representatives, who must examine the implications of these legislative revisions for the entire pearl sector.

    Assembly debates will focus on regulations concerning production, marketing of pearl and mother-of-pearl products, as well as sector entry conditions. In its analysis, the Polynesian Competition Authority emphasized the need for earlier consultation, stating that prior discussions would have allowed for a more thorough study of the project’s competitive impacts. It particularly criticized certain proposals in the bill, including market access regulation, production quotas, and new licensing requirements for pearl farming activities.

    Among the main reservations raised, the Authority recommends revising ecological and management caps, which it considers favorable to existing operators at the expense of new market entrants. Additionally, the failure to submit implementing decrees was seen as a significant shortcoming, leaving uncertainty about the new rules’ impact on competition.

    The pearl farming reform, a key sector of Polynesia’s economy, is the subject of intense debate, and the bill’s review may lead to adjustments based on discussions among various political and economic stakeholders. The objective remains to ensure a competitive pearl sector while addressing the environmental and economic challenges of French Polynesia.

  • Pearl Industry Revolution: Luminapearl, an Innovation to Guarantee the Origin and Quality of Tahitian Pearls

    A major scientific breakthrough has emerged from close collaboration between French researchers and Polynesian pearl farmers. After three years of research, they have developed a revolutionary technique called Luminapearl, enabling the marking and certification of pearl origin and quality. This innovation could play a key role in safeguarding the international reputation of Tahitian Pearls.

    A Solution to Global Market Confusion

    Faced with frequent market mix-ups where Polynesian pearls are blended with pearls from other Pacific regions, the GIE Toa Rava, led by Marcelle Howard, initiated a partnership with the Monaco Gem Lab and the Lumière Matière Institute (University of Lyon 1). Together, they developed Luminapearl, an innovative marking method.

    From Concept to Reality

    The project began in 2011 when Marcelle Howard, during an international training session on Tahitian pearls, caught the attention of two gemologists from Nice. This encounter sparked the idea of creating a process to authenticate Polynesian pearls and distinguish them on the global market. After years of experimentation, they patented a solution using luminescent markers applied to the pearl’s surface—invisible to the naked eye but detectable with specialized equipment.

    How Luminapearl Works

    The process involves immersing pearls in a bath containing luminescent elements that adhere to a few micrometers of their surface. Undetectable in normal use, these markings resist seawater, chemicals, and handling. A specialized reader then deciphers these discreet signatures, providing jewelers and wholesalers with a reliable way to verify a pearl’s origin and quality.

    Protecting Tahiti’s Pearl Legacy

    Marcelle Howard emphasizes the importance of this advancement in an era where Tahitian pearls’ reputation is threatened by lower-grade or artificially dyed imitations. Luminapearl ensures better distinction and offers consumers an additional guarantee of authenticity.

    The marking cost is minimal and could easily be incorporated into the final pearl price. Researchers believe this innovation will provide essential trust to international buyers increasingly wary of counterfeits. Currently, the technology can indicate:

    • Tahitian origin
    • Year of marking
    • Pearl quality

    Industry Experts Weigh In

    Professor Gérard Panczer (Director, Lumière Matière Institute) and Alain Caussinus (Director, Monaco Gem Lab) highlight that Luminapearl is a game-changer for Polynesia’s pearl industry. Each pearl can now be authenticated, preventing fraud through dyeing or mixing. The required detection device—a compact spectrometer priced around €2,000—is affordable for major industry players.

    Future Developments

    While Luminapearl marks a major leap in combating fraud and preserving Tahitian pearls’ authenticity, researchers acknowledge that further developments will expand the range of possible markings.

    This innovation not only protects but also enhances the prestige of Tahitian pearls, ensuring their place as a luxury commodity in global markets.

  • Papeete: First Pearl Forum Charts Path Toward Stronger Regulation and Sustainable Future

    French Polynesia’s Minister of the Blue Economy, Teva Rohfritsch, officially concluded the inaugural Pearl Forum held October 20-21 at the CCISM (Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Services and Skilled Trades) amphitheater in Papeete. Organized by the Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia (TPAFP) under President Aline Baldassari-Bernard, with support from CCISM and Air Tahiti Nui, the event gathered nearly 100 pearl industry professionals.

    Over two days of intensive discussions, eight speakers addressed critical themes spanning R&D, environmental and health monitoring, to pearl marketing strategies. The North American market received special focus through presentations by renowned American gemologist Étienne Perret.

    In his closing address, Minister Rohfritsch outlined key elements of the proposed pearl sector reform, emphasizing:

    • Production regulation through national quotas
    • Classification modernization to meet international standards
    • Enhanced oversight of industry stakeholders
    • Sustainable practices including lagoon preservation and waste recycling

    This ambitious reform aims to modernize French Polynesia’s pearl industry while ensuring its long-term viability amid current economic and environmental challenges.

    The Pearl Forum served as a vital platform for professionals to exchange ideas, explore innovation pathways, and collectively commit to building a sustainable future for Polynesia’s pearl industry.

  • Pearl Forum: American Gemologist Étienne Perret Celebrates the Unique Beauty of Tahitian Pearls

    The Pearl Forum, held at Papeete’s CCISM and concluding today, was marked by the enthusiastic participation of renowned American gemologist Étienne Perret. A recognized specialist and devoted admirer of Tahitian pearls, this experienced jeweler shared his passion for this iconic gem while emphasizing the need to better promote its value in international markets.

    Interview with Étienne Perret

    What brought you to Tahiti and the Pearl Forum?
    “This is my first visit to Tahiti, and I’m awestruck by the country’s beauty. For me, understanding the origin of the materials I work with is essential. Participating in and learning about the production process is far more rewarding than just focusing on sales figures.”

    How long have you worked with pearls?
    “I began crafting jewelry in 1974, mainly using small Japanese pearls. At the time, Tahitian and Southeast Asian pearls were still relatively uncommon.”

    Why choose Tahitian pearls?
    “I’ve always been fascinated by pearls. Initially, Tahitian pearls were beyond reach due to their high cost. As my business grew and prices stabilized, I now select Tahitian pearls for their color diversity, matching them to my clients’ designs and tastes.”

    What was the focus of your Pearl Forum presentations?
    “I shared strategies for selling pearl jewelry in the U.S. market, discussing distribution channels and their trade-offs. My second talk addressed competition—how to position Tahitian pearls as the top choice for jewelry buyers.”

    Is competition from other pearls a threat?
    “Yes, particularly Chinese pearls, which impact sales. Given Tahiti’s high production costs and complex export regulations, staying globally competitive is challenging.”

    What message do you have for Polynesia’s pearl industry professionals?
    “Keep selling the Tahitian dream—an allure built over generations. Promoting Polynesia is key to strengthening Tahitian pearls’ image and demand. It’s also vital to captivate younger generations, embedding Tahiti in their imagination and daily lives.”