GRAFTINGS PEARL OYSTERS
A Tahitian cultured pearl is born through a delicate operation performed on the Pinctada margaritifera, also known as the black-lipped oyster.
In the Tuamotu-Gambier Islands, the success of a pearl depends equally on the pearl farmer and the grafter. The farmer must raise healthy oysters, while the grafter must carry out the procedure with precision to reduce the risk of rejection or even mortality.
In the Tuamotu-Gambier Islands, the success of a pearl depends equally on the pearl farmer and the grafter. The farmer must raise healthy oysters, while the grafter must carry out the procedure with precision to reduce the risk of rejection or even mortality.
How is a pearl created?
The grafter inserts into the oyster:
- a nucleus (a small round bead),
- and a graft, a tiny piece of mantle tissue taken from a donor oyster.
This graft is what gives the future pearl its natural color: blue, green, golden, pink, grey, black… That is why every pearl is unique.
If the procedure is successful, the graft forms a pearl sac around the nucleus in about two months. Then, layer after layer, nacre is deposited until the pearl is formed.
If the procedure is successful, the graft forms a pearl sac around the nucleus in about two months. Then, layer after layer, nacre is deposited until the pearl is formed.
A long wait
After grafting, the oysters remain submerged in the lagoon for 18 to 24 months, at a depth of between 5 and 10 meters.
During this time, it is impossible to know in advance whether the pearl will be:
During this time, it is impossible to know in advance whether the pearl will be:
- perfectly round,
- pear-shaped,
- button-shaped,
- ringed,
- or sometimes… not suitable for sale at all.And that is part of what makes each harvest so special.
Essential maintenance
Every two months, the oysters must be cleaned to remove small shells, sponges, sea anemones, and other organisms that attach themselves to the shell.
This work can be done by hand… or, in some cases, left to the reef fish, which naturally clean the oysters within a few days without causing them stress.
This work can be done by hand… or, in some cases, left to the reef fish, which naturally clean the oysters within a few days without causing them stress.
What happens after harvesting?
When an oyster has produced a beautiful pearl and is still healthy, it can be grafted again to produce a second pearl, often even larger than the first.
A precious skill
For many years, this technique was practiced by Japanese grafters. Later, the knowledge was passed on in French Polynesia. Since 1988, a grafting school in Rangiroa has been training young Polynesians in this highly skilled craft.
In total, before a Tahitian cultured pearl can finally be harvested, it takes 3 to 4 years of work, patience, and expertise.
In total, before a Tahitian cultured pearl can finally be harvested, it takes 3 to 4 years of work, patience, and expertise.
