The latest information on pearl farming in Tahiti

The dissolution of the public industrial and commercial establishment (EPIC) is scheduled for November 30, 2013. This decision marks a major restructuring of the pearl sector, with the elimination of the organization responsible for the promotion and legal protection of the pearl.

Of the 12 employees at the Maison de la Perle, only one holds the status of seconded civil servant, while the other 11, under private contracts, will be laid off. This announcement was confirmed by Nuihau Laurey, Vice President of the government, who emphasized that this closure was part of a “rationalization of public action” and that the usefulness of the establishment was no longer justified.

According to him, much of the Maison de la Perle’s activities were already being handled by the Directorate of Marine Resources. In light of the lack of enthusiasm among pearl farmers and internal reorganizations, the government decided to reassign these missions to the Directorate of Marine Resources, leading to the closure of the institution.

Created in 2009, the Maison de la Perle was tasked with promoting and protecting the pearl and pearl products, as well as overseeing the sorting, classification, and evaluation of pearl production. This closure marks a turning point in the institutional approach to the sector, highlighting the challenges faced by the Tahitian pearl industry.

On the first day, the auction generated over 110 million XPF, and the second day brought in 171 million XPF — far exceeding the projected 151 million. Japanese buyers dominated the event, standing out as the main purchasers.

In addition to the usual lots of pearls, this auction offered a major surprise with the presentation of a rare 18.6 mm pistachio-colored pearl. Although its owner had not initially planned to sell it, the determination of a private buyer convinced the pearl farmer.

The pearl, from Dominique Devaux’s farm in the Gambier Islands, fetched an impressive 1,557,279 XPF. The Japanese buyer, thrilled with the acquisition, plans to turn this pearl into an ambassador piece during his travels to promote Polynesian pearls internationally.

In total, 265 lots were offered over the two days of the sale, with a starting price of 151,846,500 XPF. On the final day, dedicated to the liquidation of unsold items, only 22 lots remained available. The total turnover reached 171,938,548 XPF, representing a 19.65% gain. Buyers from Europe, Asia, and Polynesia secured the most beautiful lots, with Japan taking the lead with 47,467 pieces, followed by Hong Kong, Polynesia, Denmark, and France.

Beyond the purely commercial aspect, this auction strengthened hope for the future of Polynesian pearl farmers. Dominique Devaux, the event’s organizer, also launched a project for a hatchery of selected pearl oysters, in collaboration with IFREMER and the Directorate of Marine Resources.

This project aims to improve the quality of cultivated pearls and reinforce the position of Polynesian pearls on the global market. The next auction, scheduled for March 2014, is already shaping up to be an unmissable event, further cementing the place of the Polynesian black pearl in the world of luxury jewelry.

This “study tour” is specifically dedicated to discovering the Tahitian cultured pearl, with the goal of exploring new opportunities for developing the marketing of this iconic product.

The Minister of Marine Resources, Tearii Alpha, organized a meeting in Papeete on Thursday, bringing together the members of the delegation as well as key industry players.

The objective of this meeting was to discuss the current state of the jewelry industry and to highlight the potential of the Chinese market for Tahitian pearls. Discussions also focused on future actions to be implemented to promote the cultured pearl in this strategic market.

The meeting welcomed prominent figures, including Mr. Johnny Cheng, president of the Tahitian Pearl Association Hong Kong, Ms. Ida Wong, director of the same organization, and Mr. Dong Wu, Consul of China in Tahiti.

Representatives of pearl farming professionals were also present, sharing their expertise and perspectives on the Chinese market.

The Tahitian Pearl Association Hong Kong, founded in 2007, plays a crucial role in promoting Tahitian cultured pearls in China and Hong Kong. Composed of about 80 members, including traders and jewelers, the association is particularly active in China and Hong Kong — two key markets for the future of the Polynesian pearl.