Five professional pearl farming groups, in collaboration with the Maison de la Perle, officially launched the 3rd Tahitian Cultured Pearl Auction on Sunday, March 18, 2012, at the Sofitel Maeva Beach Hotel.

The event was inaugurated by the Minister of Marine Resources, Temauri Foster, alongside Minister Tauhiti Nena, and attended by several representatives from institutions, government departments, and public establishments.

Over three days, no fewer than 625,345 Tahitian cultured pearls — valued at nearly 600 million XPF — will be offered for auction.
On the first day, 249,592 pearls went up for sale, attracting the attention of 71 local and international buyers.
On Monday, an additional 187,944 pearls will be presented for bidding.
The Directorate of Marine Resources actively contributed to the smooth execution of the operation, adhering strictly to the established deadlines.

This initiative marks the return of auctions to the territory, a movement first initiated in 2010 under the leadership of Minister Temauri Foster.
The partnership between the Maison de la Perle and professional groups highlights a renewed momentum focused on promoting and enhancing the value of Polynesia’s pearl treasures.