Micronesian Pearls

[SteveM]

The July/August/September 2008 issue of Pearl World contains an update on Micronesian pearling by Masahiro Ito, Director, Aquaculture Research and Development, College of Micronesia Land Grant Program.

In 'Cook Islands Pearling Developments' I fostered a largely conjectural discussion of that country?s need to create an image for its P. Margaritifera cultured pearls that would be distinct from that of French Polynesia. The inevitable conclusion was that lip service may be all the Cook Islanders are willing to provide, content in their subservient role.

Micronesia seems to have a better handle on this, focusing on pearls that target the green, blue and golden-green range (current sizes 10-14mm in round). While commercial production is not foreseen until after 2010, government-sponsored hatcheries in support of the nascent industry are being established in order to avoid a repeat of recent farm failures in the Marshall Islands due to inadequate spat supply. Additionally, a locally retired Japanese master grafting technician is passing along his skills to local apprentices.

Considering Cook Islands' challenges resulting from past disasters (natural and otherwise) and local government ineptness, Micronesia is a breath of fresh air. Additionally, Federated States of Micronesia?s free association as a protectorate of the US and friendly foreign investment regulations constitute a healthy business environment.

Hopefully this thread will attract more detailed information and regular updates from locals and trade members in the know.

Thanks to Bo Torrey of Pearl World for his permission to share this photo of jewelry made by Australian and Japanese jewelers using experimental Micronesian cultured pearls.

 

[john675]

Thanks for posting this (especially the pictures). They are really quite dramatic in their coloring. The greens are a lovely mint color. It is very encouraging to hear that they are being more systematic in their approach. I am looking forward to seeing these on the market.

 

[Heidi]

This is quite interesting, thank you for posting. It's good to hear that the production is targeting a niche to help brand and create the market for these pearls.

 

[GemGeek]

Oh Drat! Steve, you've launched more pearl-craving! Those colors are faboo.

 

[jerin]

These pearls are reminding me very much of Sea of Cortez in their colours. Lovely design with the swirls. Thanks for posting.

 

[Sueki]

Gosh !
They're gorgeous, Steve !
Oh, the colours......
Thanks for posting the pics.

 

[SteveM]

Fresh air indeed!

Dr. Ito has confirmed that broodstock for their hatchery operations is collected from Micronesia's Pohnpei (main island), Pakin Atoll and Ahnt Atoll, as additional evidence of his efforts to achieve regional authenticity.

 

[Pearling Technologies]

Pretty spectacular!

 

[Kaywal]

Wow! What beautiful colors!

 

[Ragnorak]

The July/August/September 2008 issue of Pearl World contains an update on Micronesian pearling by Masahiro Ito, Director, Aquaculture Research and Development, College of Micronesia Land Grant Program.

He's done a remarkable job considering the problems involved.

Micronesia seems to have a better handle on this, focusing on pearls that target the green, blue and golden-green range (current sizes 10-14mm in round).

I think maybe more as a starting point. Since those colours can be considered the more attractive ones that appear in the current crops. Though there is an awareness that it should be quality over quantity.

While commercial production is not foreseen until after 2010, government-sponsored hatcheries in support of the nascent industry are being established in order to avoid a repeat of recent farm failures in the Marshall Islands due to inadequate spat supply.

With that said, as you'd know the availability of seedable oysters isn't the be all and end all when it comes to commercial success. Consider the situation on Nukuoro. That farm should be doing better than it is.

I'll be pleasantly surprised if commercial production does begin by 2010. This has less to do with the success of the spat hatchery program and more to do with money and the availabilty of reliable labour.

Additionally, a locally retired Japanese master grafting technician is passing along his skills to local apprentices.

A case of Chinese whispers. Whether or not the locals get trained to seed rounds will depend on the locals themselves. I tried to put together a similar deal a few years ago but it ultimately fell through.

...local government ineptness...

But that isn't limited to just any one country.

Additionally, Federated States of Micronesia?s free association as a protectorate of the US and friendly foreign investment regulations constitute a healthy business environment.

If investors from the US can be convinced to part with their money.

 

[SteveM]

It is a pleasure to read such informed opinions. Yes, it's all about the results. We would all appreciate knowing more details of your professional experiences in Pacific pearling, and since developments from Micronesia will clearly be few and far between, why not post them here?

 

[J Marcus]

Very abalone-ish colors! (That's a technical term. . .)

Marc

 

[Ragnorak]

It is a pleasure to read such informed opinions.

Why thankyou. But I'm sure there are people out there who'd disagree with my views.

We would all appreciate knowing more details of your professional experiences in Pacific pearling...

I'd have to say the highlight of my time in the Pacific was being on Manihiki for cyclone Martin. Now that was one night I thought I might not see the light of day again.

...since developments from Micronesia will clearly be few and far between, why not post them here?

I'll try to keep up with the news but as you've said new developments will be few and far between.

As far as I know, there's enough seedable oysters to start three small farms. It all comes down to money and a reliable work force.

Oh and get rich quick fever seems to have struck. I've heard of one business model based on 10,000 two to three year old oysters being used for mabe. Apparently the projected gross income would be $60,000 with a $30,000 profit. This model is based on a small family business of two people.

Who actually dreams this rubbish up and thinks it would even work?

 

[SteveM]

Ragnorak,

You've been through a lot. A wonder you're still with us (physically?and spiritually). Do you still spend time in the Cooks? We'll be visiting for few days in early October.

I have no doubt that capitalization requirements would be grossly underestimated. Not an easy time in the pearl business (or most businesses, for that matter!).

 

[barbie biggs]

Oh Drat! Steve, you've launched more pearl-craving! Those colors are faboo.

What more??? I crave them in my sleep.
barbie

 

[GemGeek]

What more??? I crave them in my sleep.
barbie

Is that why I'm so tired all the time?

 

[Ragnorak]

Do you still spend time in the Cooks?

I haven't worked in the Pacific for nearly 10 years now.

We'll be visiting for few days in early October.

If this is your first visit then I'm sure you'll enjoy Rarotonga.

I have no doubt that capitalization requirements would be grossly underestimated.

Which is what's scary. There'll be many pie in the sky proposals that will get serious consideration and end in failure. Which seems to be typical.

These proposals seem to be getting thrown together by people with little or no idea of what to expect. I mean who would seriously consider using two to three year old oysters for mabe? These shell would be in their prime to be seeded for rounds.

 

[WorldFishSolomon]

More micronesian pearls

More micronesian pearls

Another Micronesian country that is trying to learn from others' mistakes is Solomon Islands. There, pearl farming has been experimental only to date and the Government is working to encourage investment but to put un place sensible policy and regulation. Solomon Islands has both P. maxima and P. margaritifera. Anybody interested in learning more about pearl farming opportunities there can email worldfish-solomon@cgiar.org.

 

[SteveM]

Re Solomon Islands, the post is welcome. The Cook Islands thread referenced in Post #1 briefly discussed seeking a transitional style between French Polynesia and Australia, taking inspiration from the natural golden poe pipi as a national characteristic. But the geography and species mix in the Solomons appears to be precisely this concept.

Political and civil stability issues need to be updated. Also, it would be great to see photos of some Solomon pearls of recent harvest to get an idea of what's going on.

 

[Ragnorak]

News is still thin on the ground but it looks like one atoll has gotten their act together, put together a plan and started to act on it. It actually sounds like they might succeed.

I can only hope they do better than Nukuoro, which was off to a promising start.

Nukuoro's First Pearl Sale In FSM

But then;

Governor calls for audit of Nukuoro government

Never found out how it ended but I do hear that Mr. Steves is still involved with the farm in some capacity.