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.
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