Tuesday 30 May 2017
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.
Tuesday 16 May 2017
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.
