The latest information on pearl farming in Tahiti

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.

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.