Visit the Pearl Farm

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

The warm waters of French Polynesia are ideal for farming the coveted Tahitian black pearls, a lasting symbol of purity. Visit a working pearl farm, learn the history and harvesting process of these lustrous beauties and view a wide selection of unset pearls, available for purchase.

Beautiful black pearls are ubiquitous in the South Seas. These lasting symbols of purity actually come in a wide range of colors from dazzling shades of gray to deep blue, dark yellow, rich copper and beyond. On this informative half-day tour, learn more about the cultivation of this precious commodity and peruse a fine selection of unset pearls available for purchase.

A short motorcoach ride along the main road of Rangiroa takes in the sights as you travel to a local black-pearl farm. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by friendly staff and introduced to the fascinating world of pearl farming. The legendary black pearl has been coveted through the centuries by everyone from Cleopatra to the monarchs of Europe. Your guide will share the secrets of this mysterious gem and its great importance to the economy of the South Seas.

Produced by the bivalve mollusk known as the black-lipped oyster, native to French Polynesia, Polynesian pearls were first collected in the 19th century by underwater divers who ventured as deep as 130 feet to find them. By the 20th century, overharvesting had left the industry depleted, and cultured-pearl farms became the most reliable and profitable way to grow the oysters. It takes approximately three years for a pearl to form from a tiny seed or grain of sand. On your tour, you'll learn more about how black pearls are produced today and the evolution of the industry. You'll also learn about grafting, a precision surgery that involves inseminating the oysters and harvesting the pearls.

With greater appreciation for these exotic treasures, you'll then view a selection of unset black pearls that are also available for purchase. You will see the round, baroque and semi-baroque pearls that range in grade from C to A+. Your guide will assist you with the process and teach you how these radiant pearls are ranked for quality. Look for a high luster as well as a surface free of defects. Also keep in mind the thickness of the pearl's core, or nacre, which helps to determine the pearl's durability.

At the conclusion of this fascinating day, relax on the short ride back to port, chatting with your companions about all you've seen and learned on this fascinating day.

Special Notes:

Your guide will do his/her best to speak English, but please keep in mind that the limited tourism infrastructure here is part of the charm, and bear with any language difficulties he/she may encounter.