Hikueru, the atoll where it all began

27 avril 2023

The HIKUERU Atoll

In an effort to find new markets for the nacre production primarily aimed at button-making, but threatened by competition from polyester buttons, in 1956 the Territory of French Polynesia decided to fund a pearl cultivation trial in the Atoll of Hikueru with an investment of 10 million Fcfp. The experiment began in August 1961, under the supervision of Jean-Marie Domard, who arrived in the Territory in 1957, having been recruited as the head of the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Service. With a background in veterinary science, he attempted grafting, but without success. After challenging discussions, he secured the services of a Japanese grafter, Churoku Muroi, operating at an Australian pearl farm, the Pearls Proprietary Ltd, on Thursday Island in Queensland, to graft a few thousand shells during his holidays, despite Muroi's scepticism. The Japanese were referring to the experience of Kokichi Mikimoto on the island of Iskigaki, where pintadines, Pinctada Margaritifera acclimatised and produced, between 1926 and 1940, 104,456 Cultured Pearls, but all of them were baroque (lacking any axis of symmetry and not suitable for jewellery mounting). The experiment undertaken by Domard was crucial as the goal was to determine the feasibility of spherical culture in Pinctada Margaritifera Cumingii. In December 1963, all the pearl oysters operated on in Hikueru were harvested, and of the 276 Pearls obtained, representing 33.5% production (many were rejected during the post-grafting period), 235 were presented to various Japanese experts at the office of Nippon Pearls in Tokyo, in March 1964. Surprised by the colours and qualities of the Pearls, the experts concluded that "Tahiti Pearls seemed likely to be promoted to the rank of high-class jewellery". However, the "Pearl makers" would need to muster considerable patience and wait nearly 15 more years before the black pearl was appreciated at its true value and adopted by high jewellery.