The latest information on pearl farming in Tahiti

During the European Development Fund (EDF) restitution day, Minister of Marine Resources Temauri Foster shared the promising results of the recent pearl auctions held in Bora Bora from October 4 to 6, 2010, as well as the winners of the "Most Beautiful Tahitian Pearls" contest.

A Successful Relocation of Auctions

The objective of bringing auctions back to French Polynesia to boost prices and improve producers’ revenues has paid off. The two sessions held on October 5 and 6 recorded encouraging results:

✔ 63% of the lots presented (representing 43% of the pearls offered) found buyers.

✔ Average price: 1,600 Fcfp per pearl (or 907 Fcfp per gram), well above the 716 Fcfp/piece and 460 Fcfp/gram recorded for exports since early 2020.

✔ On October 5, Top Gem A and B quality pearls reached an average price of 2,863 Fcfp/piece (1,690 Fcfp/gram), with some lots exceeding 30,000 Fcfp per pearl.

✔ On October 6, C and D quality pearls sold at an average of 1,316 Fcfp/piece (740 Fcfp/gram).

"These results, combined with the satisfaction of international buyers and producers, confirm the value of organizing more auctions in Polynesia," stated the minister.

Most Beautiful Pearl Contest: Four Winners Honored

Alongside the auctions, the Maison de la Perle held a contest rewarding the most beautiful pearls submitted by pearl farmers. Four exceptional pearls, selected by a panel of foreign buyers based on quality, luster, and shape, were recognized.

The results of the public contest, open to Polynesian residents, were announced on November 3 during the EDF restitution day, marking a joint celebration of pearling excellence and the progress of the European project.

An Industry on the Move

The event was also an opportunity to present the three main pillars of the EDF project:

1️⃣ Training of pearl farmers: 641 sessions held across 20 islands.
2️⃣ Scientific research: Lagoon modeling and production optimization.
3️⃣ International market study: Strategies to enhance competitiveness.

In the presence of industry professionals, the European Commission, and local institutions, this restitution confirmed a shared commitment to a sustainable and high-performing pearl farming sector.

The Grand Return of Auctions to Polynesia

As part of the sectoral reform launched in 2009, the Polynesian government fulfilled its strategic objective in 2010 by repatriating pearl auctions to its own territory. This ambition materialized with the organization of two major events on October 5 and 6, 2010, in Bora Bora, the historical cradle of Polynesian pearl farming.

October 5: Sale of 26 lots of high-end pearls (Top Gem, A, and B)
➝ 30,100 pearls (average weight: 1.69 g/piece)
➝ 23 lots sold (88.5% success rate)
➝ Average price: 2,863 F CFP/piece (+23.1% over reserve)

October 6: Sale of 58 lots of standard pearls (C and D)
➝ 195,009 pearls (average weight: 1.71 g/piece)
➝ 30 lots sold (51.7% success rate)
➝ Average price: 1,316 F CFP/piece (+8.89% over reserve)

Bora Bora, a Natural Showcase for a Pearling Tradition

These auctions took place in a deeply symbolic setting:

✔ Historic location: Held on the site of the very first pearl farm
✔ Cultural heritage: Honoring the legendary “Bora Bora Pearls”
✔ Tourism asset: A perfect blend of luxury and tradition

"This return to our roots gives a new dimension to our pearls, firmly anchored in their land and history," emphasized a sector representative.

Contest of the Most Beautiful Pearls: Excellence in the Spotlight

At the same time, the newly created Tahiti Pearl House — the government’s promotion body — organized an exceptional contest:

🔹 4 award-winning pearls selected by international experts
🔹 Criteria of excellence: size, surface quality, color, and luster
🔹 Public participation: Voting open until November 3, 2010

The winning pearl will embark on a world tour in 2011, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Tahitian Pearl across five continents.

A Promising Sectoral Dynamic

These events mark a decisive turning point:

✅ Local valorization: Strengthened territorial anchoring
✅ Economic performance: Significant rise in average prices
✅ International recognition: Contest as a showcase of excellence

"These results prove that our pearl has regained its rightful place in the global luxury market," declared a negotiator present at the auctions.

Through these initiatives, French Polynesia reaffirms its position as a leader in cultured pearls, combining ancestral know-how with innovative commercial strategies.