Tahitian Pearls Info

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

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  • New Practical Guide Supports Polynesian Pearl Farmers in Sustainable Pearl Oyster Farming

    Under the leadership of Professor Nabila Gaertner-Mazouni, a comprehensive and accessible guide has just been produced to facilitate pearl oyster farming in French Polynesia. This collaborative project, developed with numerous scientific partners, represents a major step forward in knowledge transfer to pearl farmers.

    A marine ecology professor at the University of French Polynesia and researcher at the “Oceanic Island Ecosystems” Joint Research Unit (UMR-EIO), Gaertner-Mazouni explains the goal was to make scientific knowledge accessible and directly applicable in the field.

    The result of several years’ work under the ANR-funded Polyperl research program, this guide celebrates collective effort while providing tangible feedback to pearl farmers who were actively involved in the research.

    Structured around thirty practical fact sheets, the publication covers all essential aspects of pearl farming: industry overview, administrative procedures for becoming a producer, health monitoring, diving safety, waste management, oyster collection, pearl oyster cultivation, grafting (the key pearl production stage), and a socioeconomic analysis of the sector.

    “We provide recommendations and clarify certain regulatory points, but without imposing obligations,” emphasizes Gaertner-Mazouni. Designed for all industry professionals, the guide will soon be distributed across the islands and presented to participants of the Pearl Forum opening today at Papeete’s CCISM.

  • Genetic Selection: A Silent Revolution to Enhance Tahitian Pearls

    A major scientific breakthrough has been achieved by researchers at the Ifremer Pacific Center, unraveling the secrets of cultured pearl formation through genetic selection. This advancement promises to profoundly transform Polynesian pearl farming.

    Published in July 2016 in the specialized journal Animal Genetics, the study highlights the influence of rare biological traits—such as red or white shells and orange flesh—on pearl color and luster, essential criteria for quality.

    Pearl farming represents a backbone of the local economy, involving over 500 producers, generating 1,300 direct jobs, and accounting for 70% of Polynesian exports. Aware of these stakes, Ifremer scientists worked closely with farmers to collect oysters displaying atypical characteristics. These specimens were then artificially crossbred in the laboratory to study the genetic transmission of their unique traits.

    The article reveals a direct correlation between oyster shell color and the resulting pearl’s hue. Simultaneously, researchers assessed the prevalence of these rare-colored oysters across Polynesian atolls. In Mangareva, for instance, wild oysters with orange flesh show particularly high concentrations.

    The genetic selection of Pinctada margaritifera, French Polynesia’s emblematic pearl oyster, thus opens unprecedented prospects for the industry. Leveraging Ifremer’s expertise in animal science, a new era of “modern pearl farming” is emerging—equipping local producers with innovative tools to stand out in international markets.

  • Pearl Forum: Polynesia Mobilizes to Save Its Lagoon Treasure

    The Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia (TPAFP) is setting the stage with its Pearl Forum on October 20-21 at Papeete’s CCISM—a pivotal gathering to unite industry stakeholders and raise public awareness about pearl farming’s strategic importance.

    Confronting both the concerning devaluation of pearls and the proliferation of street vendors, TPAFP President Aline Baldassari sounded the alarm on the sector’s challenges. The forum marks a new phase in efforts to restore Tahitian pearls’ prestige and reclaim their status as a signature Polynesian treasure.

    Among keynote guests, American gemologist Etienne Perret will share expertise on the North American market, offering concrete strategies to boost Polynesian pearl sales—a highly anticipated session for professionals seeking fresh marketing approaches.

    The forum’s agenda also tackles critical technical and scientific dimensions: R&D in pearl farming, color and size control techniques, and CCISM-led initiatives. This comprehensive overview will address the industry’s global challenges.

    Nabila Gaertner-Mazouni, professor at the University of French Polynesia, will highlight the interdependence between lagoon ecosystems and pearl quality, emphasizing that environmental preservation is now central to the sector’s future.

    The closing session will feature Teva Rohfritsch, Minister of the Blue Economy, outlining upcoming regulatory reforms—a rallying cry to modernize Polynesian pearl farming and strengthen its international competitiveness.

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    Polynesian Pearl Farming: A Historic Reform to Structure Production and Protect Lagoons

    In an ambitious move to revitalize pearl farming, a reform bill will be presented to the assembly within the next three weeks. The stated objectives: to structure production, guarantee pearl quality, and ensure traceability from hatchery to export.

    Despite increased production, the sector has faced declining prices for 25 years, threatening nearly 3,000 jobs. A third of farms have closed over the past eight years, underscoring the need for decisive action.

    The reform introduces national production quotas allocated among farms. All pearls must be registered, with excess production banned from sale to safeguard lagoon health and product value.

    Teva Rohfritsch, Minister of the Blue Economy, frames this as a sustainable development initiative. Quotas will adapt to each lagoon’s ecological specifics, and public domain usage terms will tighten to mandate environmental restoration and waste management.

    Another breakthrough: the elimination of “rejected pearls.” All pearls can now be utilized—particularly in crafts and jewelry—without minimum nacre thickness requirements, though optional certifications remain available.

    To combat illegal practices, producers, traders, and retailers will be prohibited from transferring pearls to third parties without authorization. Nucleus purchases will be strictly regulated, with mandatory record-keeping for merchants.

    Endorsed by the Economic, Social, and Cultural Council, the bill faces assembly vote ahead of a January implementation. In tandem, the Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia will host a Pearl Forum on October 20-21 at CCISM—a public platform to debate the future of Polynesian pearl farming.

  • Takume on Alert: Pearl Farmers Take Legal Action After Suspicious Introduction of Diseased Oysters

    A wave of alarm has swept through Takume’s lagoon. On Thursday evening, a sample of suspicious oysters—illegally dumped on September 9—was received in Tahiti by bailiff Maître Elie for analysis by IFREMER. The action was initiated by pearl farmer Tavivi and his cousin Teiva Manutahi, who also filed a complaint with the public prosecutor.

    After a three-hour wait at Faa’a International Airport, the two men retrieved a cooler containing potentially contaminated oysters, which had been transferred without authorization from Raroia. Upon inspection, Maître Elie broke the seals, revealing a strong foul odor and visible abnormalities on the shells.

    Teiva Manutahi condemned the threat to Takume’s lagoon and the entire local pearl industry. He stated this was the first time in thirty years that diseased oysters had been observed in the lagoon—a situation professionals deem alarming.

    The oysters displayed unusual black spots and concerning deformities. Faced with these clear signs of disease, Tavivi stressed the need for reliable scientific results from IFREMER to substantiate their claims and trigger appropriate legal action.

    The pearl farmers’ efforts aim not only to protect their environment but also to raise public awareness about the dangers of uncontrolled introductions into fragile ecosystems. The case now hinges on lab results and potential intervention by the prosecutor.

  • Giant Pearl Discovered in the Philippines: Palawan’s New Treasure

    An exceptional maritime discovery has just shaken the world of gemology. A Filipino fisherman has gotten hold of what could be the largest natural pearl ever recorded, confirmed Cynthia Amurao, Palawan’s tourism officer.

    The story of this find resembles a modern fairy tale. When his boat’s anchor got caught on a massive giant clam off the coast of Palawan, the fisherman discovered a pearl of staggering dimensions: 30 centimeters thick by 60 centimeters wide. The man, completely unaware of the astronomical value of his treasure, simply kept it for years as a good-luck charm, carefully stored under his bed in his modest thatch-roofed hut.

    “I was stunned when I saw it on the kitchen table,” confided the tourism officer, recounting her first encounter with this extraordinary gem. “I immediately made the fisherman understand that hiding such a treasure was pointless and that it deserved to be displayed to the public.”

    Weighing an impressive 14 kilograms, this titanic pearl far surpasses the previous record held by the famous “Pearl of Allah” or “Lao Tzu Pearl,” also discovered in Palawan’s waters in the 1930s and valued at several tens of millions of dollars.

    Since Monday, the precious object has been on display in a secured glass case at Puerto Princesa City Hall, the island’s capital. Local authorities eagerly await the official assessment by international gemologists to confirm the authenticity and estimate the value of what could be one of the most significant gemological discoveries of the century.

    Richard Ligad, a municipal officer of Puerto Princesa, wanted to clarify: “The fisherman has not signed any donation documents to the city. This extraordinary pearl therefore remains legally his property.” An important detail as the potential value of this discovery could reach dizzying heights on the international market.

    Giant Pearl Discovered in the Philippines: Palawan's New Treasure

  • Blue Economy in Polynesia: A Marine Giant Still in the Making

    With its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spanning 5.5 million square kilometers, French Polynesia boasts one of the largest maritime territories in the world. Yet, according to a recent IEOM study, the economic potential of this vast marine space remains largely untapped.

    In 2015, Polynesia’s blue economy generated reported revenues of 39 billion Fcfp, though IEOM estimates suggest the actual figure could approach 47 billion Fcfp. Despite this oceanic wealth, economic valorization remains moderate, hindered by various structural obstacles.

    Maritime transport stands as the primary driver of this economy, accounting for a quarter of total revenue—10 billion Fcfp annually. This sector remains a cornerstone, supporting both inter-island commerce and international trade.

    Aquaculture shows significant untapped potential. While its 2015 revenue capped at 500 million Fcfp, its development could reach 5.7 billion Fcfp by integrating processing and commercialization. However, the specific accounting of pearl farms in remote areas partially skews current estimates.

    Between 2010 and 2015, marine-related sectors saw an average annual growth of 8%, led primarily by fisheries and shipbuilding. These positive trends chart a path for the future.

    Seafood products, the spearhead of Polynesian exports, earned 10 billion Fcfp in 2015. Meanwhile, the tourism industry, deeply tied to the ocean, generated 46 billion Fcfp—14.4 billion of which came directly from maritime activities, according to ISPF figures.

    The blue economy currently employs nearly 4,850 people. Fishing and pearl farming remain traditional pillars, heavily weighting goods exports. The yachting and cruise sectors are also thriving, with 800 boats recorded in Polynesia in 2015.

    Despite these advances, IEOM identifies vast untapped potential, particularly in aquaculture. Large-scale projects like the Hao aquaculture farm could profoundly transform the industry in coming years.

    In response, Teva Rohfritsch, Minister of the Blue Economy, emphasized the strategic importance of marine resources for Polynesia, announcing new initiatives to maximize sustainable exploitation of this invaluable oceanic asset.

  • Jewelry Design Competition: Tahitian Pearl Association Celebrates the Art of Tahitian Pearls

    The Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia (TPAFP) is launching an ambitious jewelry design competition to showcase the gem of the South Seas. This initiative follows the success of the “Ma perle et moi” (“My Pearl and Me”) campaign, which captivated the public last April.

    From July 15 to September 30, 2016, jewelers and designers are invited to showcase their talent working with Tahitian pearls. The competition aims to revitalize Polynesia’s pearl industry by fostering innovation and creativity among local artists.

    “Our goal is to highlight the craftsmanship of our designers while enhancing the commercial appeal of Tahitian pearls in international markets,” said a TPAFP spokesperson.

    Participants will compete in several distinct categories, with prizes awarded for the best creations. The competition will distinguish jewelry based on value: under 100,000 XPF (≈ €840) or over 100,001 XPF. A Grand Prize will honor the most exceptional piece across all categories.

    A panel of experts will evaluate submissions based on multiple criteria: design originality, commercial potential, technical excellence, and craftsmanship. To ensure fairness, jury members will have no prior connection to the submitted works.

    Entries must be submitted between September 15 and 30, 2016, with winners announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday, October 6, 2016, capping off three months of creativity dedicated to this Polynesian national treasure.

    This competition is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate French Polynesia’s pearl sector, which has faced significant economic challenges in recent years. The TPAFP hopes to reinforce the global prestige of this iconic South Pacific gem.

  • Winners of Miss Tahiti 2016 Honored with Exceptional Pearl Necklaces

    The four winners of the Miss Tahiti 2016 pageant began their reign with elegance and prestige. This Friday, July 1st, they received their first official gifts, including magnificent pearl necklaces offered by Maison Robert Wan, a true institution in the world of Polynesian black pearls.

    Valued between 4 and 5 million Pacific francs (approximately €33,000 to €42,000), this generous donation highlights the cultural and economic importance of Tahitian pearls in the archipelago. For these ambassadors of Polynesian beauty, these jewels represent much more than mere accessories.

    “This gift is special to me. It’s the first one we receive,” shared an emotional Vaea Ferrand, freshly crowned Miss Tahiti 2016. “We also visited the museum, and I know the effort it takes to create these necklaces, so receiving one truly moves me. Especially since, if I hadn’t become Miss Tahiti, I would never have gotten such a gift!”

    The young beauty queen also emphasized the symbolic significance of this South Seas treasure: “The black pearl is part of our culture—it’s an economic resource, and we’re known worldwide for our pearls. While all women love gold and gemstones, for us, pearls are number one!”

    Each of the winners received a prestigious necklace: Vaiata Buisson (1st runner-up), Vanille Guyot (2nd runner-up), and Mehealani Tepou (Miss Heiva 2016). Vaea Ferrand, however, was given two exceptional pieces, including a stunning cascadia—a multi-strand necklace of circled pearls—from the renowned jeweler’s new collection.

    The gift-giving ceremony was followed by the contestants’ first autograph session, marking the start of their year-long reign as ambassadors of Polynesian beauty and culture around the world.

  • Major Reform of Polynesian Pearl Farming: Abandoning Mandatory Certification in Favor of Quotas

    An ambitious reform of Polynesia’s pearl industry has just been adopted after months of negotiations between sector professionals and the Minister of Pearl Farming. This restructuring, which will take effect in January, marks a decisive turning point for this iconic industry in French Polynesia.

    At the heart of this overhaul is the abandonment of the mandatory pearl certification system, deemed “obsolete” and “punitive” by many industry players. This 2005 system will be replaced by a quota scheme aimed at better regulating production while giving pearl farmers more freedom in their commercial strategies.

    “We want to be able to sell more pearls. Before, there were strict controls on the pearl’s nacre thickness and appearance, which were really penalizing for producers and traders,” explains Aline Baldassari-Bernard, president of the Professional Pearl Producers’ Union. “This 2005 classification had become unbearable—it was completely outdated.”

    This reform comes amid concerning economic conditions for the sector. The latest figures from French Polynesia’s Institute of Statistics reveal a drastic drop in raw pearl exports in April, with a 65% decline in value, highlighting the urgent need for restructuring.

    Teva Rohfritsch, Minister of Pearl Farming, emphasizes the philosophy behind the reform: “The spirit of this text is about empowering industry stakeholders, with a redefinition of the administration’s role and greater responsibility for professionals.” However, he clarifies that “the option to obtain free certification of nacre thickness from the Marine Resources Department” remains for those who wish to use it as a selling point.

    The introduction of quotas is another major innovation of this reform. Managed by local committees, these quotas will not only allow precise quantification of pearl production—a previously unknown statistic—but also incorporate environmental criteria to preserve resources.

    Other key measures in this regulatory overhaul include professionalizing the sector through the introduction of professional licenses, implementing a pearl product traceability system, and establishing a Pearl Farming Council.

    The draft law still has several steps to complete before its expected implementation on January 1: finalizing the text, presenting it to the Council of Ministers, and then review by the CESC and the French Polynesian Assembly. Nevertheless, industry professionals appear confident in the outcome of this process and the anticipated benefits of this regulated liberalization.