The Tahitian Pearl Association Hong Kong (TPAHK) organised a study tour to Tahiti for selected award-winning jewellery designers during 25 March – 1 April 2017 as part of its initiatives to promote the sustainability of the jewellery industry and to raise the awareness of Tahitian pearls.
The eight-day programme featured a number of eye-opening visits to pearl museums, auctions, farms and meetings with local government officials and trade delegates.
In Robert Wan Pearl Museum the group was amazed by one of the world’s biggest round Tahitian pearls sized 22.5mm in top quality. They had a rare opportunity to witness well-established auctions including the Rikitea Auction during 26-27 March. A total of 379,914 Tahitian pearls in a wide variety of colours, shapes and sizes were under auction, nearly 99 percent or 372,650 pieces were sold for 4,146,659 euros, according to TPAHK. Buyers from Asia accounted for nearly 76 percent by pearls sold and over 73 percent by total sales. Members of the visiting group also landed their feet on Gauguin Pearl Farm in Rangiroa, the world’s second largest atoll.
Several information exchange programmes were set up between the group and top government officials, representatives from local trade associations and jewellers. “We are confident that all delegates were inspired by the beauty of Tahiti and its pearls. We anticipate more thrilling designs will be created,” said Ida Wong, TPAHK general manager and delegation leader.
Invited designers included Tahitian Pearl Award winner of SJDA Design Award Jane Chen, 1st runner-up and Tahitian Pearl Award winner of 1st China (International) Pearl Jewelry Design Competition Shen Dan, Open Group I Champion of JMA International Jewelry Design Competition 2016 Candy Luo, and Open Group II Champion of JMA International Jewelry Design Competition 2016 Jasmine Chau. (Photo courtesy: TPAHK)
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