Bula everyone - very good morning to you all from Fiji. I have been a bit busy - sorry for the late reply.
Thank you all for the kind words and encouragement.
Yes - each country needs to learn to develop its own industry and and really try and "own it" - this is how we develop new and exciting products, this is how we "push the envelope", this is the evolution of pearling and pearls. Nothing can be more exciting then hearing that someone is working in a new region, with a new species / sub species, anything - the point is its new and exciting. And it is not easy! And people need to recognise and support this - or we will be seeing the same thing over and over again. Every show - everyone is looking for something new.
I have an appreciation for starting new pearl farms, in different places - not easy, the same techniques and methods used in one place will not work in another. And i've learned the hard way that Fiji (God bless my county - I do love it) does not have any type of institutions or experts in the field of pearling. Mortality issues were an "eye opener" in this regard - most pathologist with experience in pearl oysters (FP and Australia) have signed extensive confidentiality agreements with countries and industries they have worked in - so they really can't give you too much advice. And God I wish we had IFMER to call to help out. But this is part of what makes Fiji Pearls different - they are rare, we just cannot supply as many as we would like. And understanding that the market is pretty saturated means that seeing new entrants - will not happen often.
With that said - I am sorry to say but we have not sold many pearls into the US for years. I do ship exclusively to Gellner - last shipment of those lovely pearls went into Zurich. There are several reasons for this:
1) I met Jorg Gellner at Dubai Pearl Forum. - same year and time I met Jeremy Shepard - great trip. Too bad we were more concerned with Financial Crisis then pearls. After meeting him and learning about his "passion for pearls" he was invited to our auctions - still a funny joke, as i categorically would not invite him before.
2) He gets what we are about, he really gets this. Pearls are nice - don't get me wrong, but the story of where they come from, the communities, the jobs, the love, the beauty of the places..... its part of the story. He brings down about 30 of his clients every other year. They leave with an appreciation of what goes into making these pearls and the many jobs and people's live's that are better because of these pearls.
3) He was our best buyer at our auctions, after the first year (another good story).
4). Europe.... well you know is Europe, fashion, lots of cool stuff - people like new - bit of a "trend setting place in regards to style and fashion - "association" - is a term I believe in. I want Fiji Pearls to be the Rolex of Pearls - I know bit corny but I really believe they are special!
And another big reason: I am very well looked after in terms of what I get per gram or pearl - either way, probably better then any other producer in the world. So I am very thankful, very lucky.
Once I get these production issues sorted out - i am definitely going to start getting some of our pearls you'r way. In fact I have a couple ideas - that I am running through my head - working it out S L O W L Y - not the smartest pearl farmer you will meet - might be better looking.... then a lot of those old dude's though - just kidding.
Here are some more pics;
Not the fanciest, not the brightest, not the biggest, but pretty bloody cool. Love our pearls. Some of you have probably seen these before.
Here is some of our jewellery we produce in Fiji - all locally made (not findings) but pearls, designs, work and love.
I know, I know ..... "some of those look Tahitian" - yep they do, Yes, I know - Jorg doesn't like those. And to be honest - we get Chinese Tourists and they actually prefer the "traditional colours" - yep, its true. We will produce significantly less in the coming years.
I would like to point out the tones - If i were to describe our pearls, I think I would call them "warm / earthy".
I will try and post before I go to Hong Kong - I will keep checking and see if you guys have more questions. I do have a lot of funny stories - I tend to like to live and laugh.
So you guys keep asking - I will keep feeding you info.
Look after yourselves and remember ... ask for Fiji.
And thank you for being such gracious hosts -
Just a few of my musings, for whatever value might be there.
