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This sustainable practice is already making a difference in Tahiti and other Pacific regions, as well as in Asia. The gains made in those places may be relatively small, but they’re promising. They also have implications for countries and communities far beyond those where the pearl farms are located.
Below are four ways in which the culturing of these gems is an ecological game changer.
A Brief History Of Pearl Farming
Pearl farming exists because of the efforts of Kokichi Mikimoto, Tokichi Nishikawa and Tatsuhei Mise. All three of these Japanese men experimented with pearl cultivation in the early 1900s, by which time wild pearl oyster and mussel populations had been decimated by overfishing.
After almost 10 years of experimentation, Mikimoto successfully nucleated Akoya pearl oysters to produce the sought-after gems. Not long after Mikimoto’s triumph, Nishikawa and Mise also saw success. While patenting his nucleation procedure, Nishikawa spotted Mise’s patent for a grafting needle in an office. He made contact with Mise, and together they created the Mise-Nishikawa method. Mikimoto altered the method to produce perfectly round pearls, patented his invention, and then created the Mikimoto Pearl Company which went on to popularize farmed pearls around the world.
As the practice spread, wild populations of oysters and mussels were able to start recovering from centuries of exploitation. Unknown to any of those early pioneers, their inventions offer hope more than a century later, as the planet faces mounting ecological challenges.
Rising To Meet Modern Challenges
Climate change is not the only challenge that threatens earth. The destruction of important coastal and marine ecosystems such as coral reefs are a major issue, as are overfishing and the pollution of rivers. Unregulated development in coastal areas also wreaks havoc on the environment.
These and other issues could have far-reaching consequences for human life. People are faced with challenges such as producing enough food to feed a growing population, and of restoring and rejuvenating damaged ecosystems. Pearl farming can play an important role in combating these problems.
One way in which pearl farming is saving the world is through an increase in marine conservation efforts and an improvement in biodiversity. Pearl oyster farming is successful only when sound environmental management is in place, and that cannot be separated from conservation.
Farmers and communities with a vested interested in the success of such projects strive to keep the environment in a pristine condition so that the oysters can thrive. Among the measures implemented in some pearl farms are the maintenance of coral reefs and the banning or restriction of fishing in the area. This has the added benefit of attracting various fish and other marine life, which creates a new ecosystem.
Small-scale pearl farming has made a great difference to the health of ecosystems in which it’s practiced soundly, and the difference has been noticed by various governments. In the Federated States of Micronesia, the government has even allowed farming within some marine protected areas. In Tahiti, the government has taken measures to limit the cultivable area per atoll in order not to overpopulate lagoons that could be detrimental to farming. The Tahitian government is now pushing for recycling of all nylon and plastic-based farming materials as well as finding substitutes to avoid microplastic pollution.
Pearl farming has been associated with an improvement in water quality, and that’s not only because of conservation and environmental management efforts. The water filtering capabilities of pearl oysters, which feed via the process, is nothing less than incredible.
One of the oysters – the Pinctada margaritifera - used in the culturing of pearls in French Polynesia, is able to filter between 11.5 and 25.9 liters of water per gram of tissue (dry weight) per hour. In doing so, they can help remove pollutants such as heavy metals from the water.
Of all the world’s gems, pearls are the only ones that can be produced sustainably. All others, from diamonds to tanzanite, are mined, which is not sustainable.
Pearls are farmed by allowing oyster spawns to grow for 12 to 18 months, before submerging the juveniles at the bottom of coral pinnacles. When they reach the correct size, the young oysters are transferred to lantern nets or mesh crates to protect them from predators. As they grow larger, each is placed in its own pocket in underwater baskets. They are hauled to the surface for cleaning every two months.
When the oysters are large enough, a mother of pearl bead coated in antibiotic and a piece of mantel from another oyster are placed inside. Thereafter, they are returned to the ocean. 18 months later, the pearls are extracted.
The beauty of pearl farming is that one oyster is able to produce two pearls. After the first pearl is harvested, the oyster has developed a larger pearl pocket that can be nucleated again with a larger nucleus and another 16 months immersion time. This is how larger famous Tahitian pearls called ''overgraft'' are obtained.
Oysters can also be used for food after the gems have been extracted. A good source of protein, the meat is consumed by communities who are involved in the farming process, as well as by tourists who visit the tropical locations of farms. In the case of freshwater pearl farming, the mussels used can be grown with various types of fish, carp among them. Farmers sell the fish as a source of additional income and as a means of decreasing the need for commercial fishing.
Environmental benefits are not the only ways pearl farming is saving the world. The cultivation of oysters is not limited to pearls and food. By-products of these fascinating gems are used in various ways in other industries.
Whole shells are used to make ornaments, jewelry, and furniture. And, as the shells are mostly calcium carbonate, they can be ground up, purified, and used as a calcium source in nutritional supplements. They are also added to bone replacement therapy and osteoporosis treatments, and many high-end skincare brands incorporate them as one of their key ingredients.
These are only some of the benefits that pearl farming has for the earth and the people that inhabit it. There are others, and more pros are being explored by scientists. When next you adorn yourself with your pearls, think about how their formation contributed to the health of the planet.
Author: Melony Forcier is a 20-year-old journalist from Boston, MA. Writing is her first love but she also has a great affinity for anything chocolate, pugs, cheese boards, and Harry Styles.
Editor, Truly Experiences
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Come to us and get Pearl inspired!
We are bringing to Arizona a great selection of quality loose pearls from Tahiti and the South Seas for your creative mind.
In 2019, Black Market Pearls is hosted at La Peregrina Booth #805-905 at GJX pavilion from February 5th-10th.
Our team of pearl expert will assist you with all your pearl needs.
Black Market Pearls will also showcase a unique collection of designer Pearl jewelry from Jenny Reeves of San Francisco, Debras Carus,Thomas Tietze of Oregon and award winning William Arthur Jeweler from Wisconsin.
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This contest was open to all past students of the Revere Academy in order to stimulate and encourage creativity. The entries were judged along four criteria; design, craftsmanship,originality and marketability.
The contest attracted a number of high quality entries from across the United States. Submissions included jewelry in a range of materials including gold, platinum, silver, glass, diamonds, gems and of course Tahitian pearls.
The jury was composed of Sarah Graham, Barbara Heinrich, and Alan Revere.
The Revere Tahitian pearl contest is sponsored by Air Tahiti Nui and Black Market Pearls Llc.
William Robertson who had won 2017 first prize, strikes back with a fantastic pendant to win the Grand prize and receives two round trip ticket to Tahiti with Air Tahiti Nui!
"Tahitian Tides" is a pendant featuring a 13mm grey semi-baroque Tahitian pearl, akoya pearl, eighteen white diamonds, and five paraiba tourmalines. All set in 18k yellow gold with 20k yellow gold accents through out.
Jenny Reeves walks away with the Grand prize of faculty category and receives two round trip tickets to Tahiti with Air Tahiti Nui!
''My jewelry blends earthy textures and patterns with geometric lines to explore relationships between proportion, color and light. ''
''The Compass Necklace''
Jenny Reeves sustainable jewelry
Hollow form pendant in Argentium sterling silver,18, 22, 24 carat gold, watermelon tourmaline, 12 mm Tahitian pearl and a .07ct white reclaimed diamond set in back.
Karen Keit wins 1 st Prize Jewelry over $1,500 category.
"Pearls in Orbit'' Tahitian Pearl Necklace . Made in Kauai.
The Orbit Necklace consists of Seven (7) Tahitian Round Half Pearls, bezel set in 22 karat yellow gold, sizes 8.5 to 9mm. Also, Nine (9) GVS Round Brilliant Diamonds totally 0.32ct.tw. set in 18 karat yellow gold.
1 st Prize – Karen Keit
2 nd Prize – Karen Keit
The serpent broach-2nd prize by Karen Keit.
3 rd Prize – Jordan J. de Haan and the green pearl
1 st Prize – Melissa Skarsten
''For this contest, I challenged myself to use a 14 mm peacock Tahitian Mabe pearl. I have distinct organic style and each one of a kind piece I create is a journey through the mysteries of nature''.
2 nd Prize – Cynthia Clearwater
3 rd Prize – Meggie Roy
''This is a celebration of all forms, curves and uniqueness.18k gold, Napa leather, 18k gold, sterling silver and Tahitian pearls are blended to create a microcosm of purity and design.''
A special thanks to Alan Revere and Glenda Ruth, Air Tahiti Nui, and all the participating pearl jewelers: see you in 2018!
SAN FRANCISCO – Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts spreads a bit of island fever for the second year in a row with an expanded Tahitian Pearl Jewelry Contest. The competition, open to all current and former Revere students – approximately 10,000 individuals – grows this year to include a category for past and present Revere Academy instructors. Grand-prize winners in both categories will receive two round-trip tickets to Tahiti.
Revere stressed that the organic Tahitian pearls offer students an opportunity to focus on green, sustainable designs. One of the reasons Revere found this project so appealing was the ability to highlight a product of fair-trade and sustainable development in contrast to industrially produced and manipulated materials.
Selection committee for the contest will be master goldsmith and author Revere, award-winning jewelry designer Sarah Graham and award-winning jeweler, designer and President of the American Jewelry Design Council Barbara Heinrich.
The contests for both student and faculty will each award a grand prize as well as cash prizes in two categories: jewelry over $1500 and jewelry under $1500 retail. In addition to the two grand prizes, student categories will have a first, second and third place cash prizes, while instructors will have second and third place cash prizes.
“It has always been our standard that instructors are working, professional jewelers, who bring real-world experiences to share with our students,” Revere said. “I think including these instructors in their own category will really enhance the contest. We look forward to incredible designs from both groups.”
Revere students and instructors can submit entries at http://bit.ly/ReverePearlContestEntry. Deadline for submissions is August 28. Winners will be announced on Sept. 15. For more information, see the Revere Academy website at revereacademy.com/tahiti
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Winners for jewelry over $1,000 / retail:
1st place, $300: William Robertson, WI
2nd Place, $200: Karen Keit, HI
3rd Place, $100: Julie Leyden, CA
Designer: William Robertson, WI
Winners for jewelry under $1,000 / retail:
First place, $300: Melissa Skarsten, UT
Second Place, $200: Noriko Kawamoto, CA
Third Place, $100: Cheryl Rouch, CA
Designer: Melissa Skarsten, UT
The contest was opened to all present and past students of the Revere Academy in order to stimulate and encourage creativity. The entries were judged along four criteria; design, craftsmanship, originality and marketability. The contest attracted a number of very high quality entries from across the United States. Submissions included jewelry in a range of materials - gold, platinum, silver, glass, diamonds, gems and of course, Tahitian pearls. The jury was composed of Alan Revere - Award-winning jewelry designer, founder and director of the Revere Academy; Etienne Perret - Jewelry Designer, Gemologist and pearl expert; Peter Walsh - Manika Gallery in San Francisco-Jenny Reeves - Jewelry Designer and instructor.
Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you to everyone who entered.
Open to all past and present students of the Revere Academy, this competition invites jewelry artists to pursue new creative designs featuring Tahitian Pearls. The Grand Prize winner receives 2 round trip tickets to Tahiti from Los Angeles via Air Tahiti Nui.
Winners will be selected on the basis of originality, design, marketability and craftsmanship. Entries will be accepted in 2 categories: Jewelry under $1,000 and jewelry over $1,000. Each category will have a first place cash award of $300, second place, $200, and third place, $100. An overall Grand Prize winner will be selected from all entries.
Entries will be evaluated by a jury composed of Alan Revere - Award-winning jewelry designer, founder and director of the Revere Academy; Etienne Perret - Jewelry Designer, Gemologist and pearl expert; Peter Walsh - Manika Gallery in San Francisco; and Jenny Reeves - Jewelry Designer and instructor.
Entry Fee: $25
Entry Deadline Extended Until: August 1, 2016, 11:59pm MST
Jewelry Submission: Actual jewelry is required to be available for winners exhibit.
Winner Announcement: August 15, 2016
To apply, go to: Online application at callforentry.org. (CAFE). Registration on CAFE is required.
http://www.revereacademy.com/tahiti/
]]>"Tahitian pearls, exotic beauties from the sea, are among the most prized of nature’s creations. Cultivated in only a few places on earth, the Black-Lip Pearl oyster thrives in the atolls of Tahiti. These creatures can produce a wonderful, inspiring and valuable type of pearl."
A special thanks to Alan Revere for hosting this Tahitian Pearl class as part of the Revere Master Symposium and Etienne Perret for leading this innovative course.
"For two days students were immersed and captivated in the world of pearls. Students took advantage of this opportunity to learn about these wonderful gems, how they are cultivated and evaluated as well as design considerations possible with Tahitian pearls. Also were they able to learn how to drill a pearl and get hands-on practice."
785 MARKET STREET, SUITE 900
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103
PHONE: 415-391-4179
FAX: 415-795-1407
EMAIL: INFO@REVEREACADEMY.COM
Alchemy Jeweler will be hosting Tahitian based company Black Market Pearls and premiering its exclusive Pearl Bar once again in the luxurious Pearl District of Portland, Oregon.
Come mingle with industry pearl professionals, sip homegrown Tahitian island vanilla rum punch, shop and create a unique gift for you and you loved ones.
The Owners of Studio Oasis 41, Patrick Lillie and Bob Williams were so gracious to open the studio for Skyler to host this fantastic event, as well as be a part of the production.
Special thanks to those whom participated : Models, Photographer's, Hair & Makeup, and Designers include the following : Skyler Bleu, Tiffany Curran, LuLu Ngo, Candice Forsberg, Lacie Renae, Camille Young, Patrick Lille, Garth Mortensen, Brian Pham, Brandi Lynn, Brett Howard, David Hicks, Andrea Villasenor-Lipstick Artistry, Racie Lacie MUA, Brian Pham Hairstyles, Black Market Pearls and Oscar Lopez of Oscar Dominick House of Couture Fashion.
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This ambitious young woman along with her partner Zach, helped coordinate, host and produce some amazing publication pictures for Black Market Pearls. Skyler Bleu brought together very talented artists to showcase for Black Market Pearls. Skyler, using her strategic networking skills and high energy personality, was able to not only showcase her product modeling skills, but introduce her self as an emerging fashion event coordinator. Skyler currently lives in Central Oregon and is available for booking, as a model and or event coordinator.
For more information about Skyler Bleu please visit
https://www.facebook.com/skyler.bleu.319