Nacre artisan, mother-of-pearl artist

The Pinctada Margaritifera Cumingui Variety used for cultivating the Tahiti Pearl has always adorned jewellery in Polynesia, often presented to high-ranking guests of the islands. The origin of the word Mother-of-Pearl is Persian, 'Nakkar', meaning beautiful and shimmering, and indeed its multifaceted, bright and varied hues make it one of the most exquisite natural ornaments. The engraving of Mother-of-Pearl is a very delicate art requiring unparalleled skill combined with certain creative imagination. For several years now, the Centre des Métiers d'Art of Papeete has been training young talents in Mother-of-Pearl engraving, intended for jewellery or decorative ornaments such as lamps or wall decorations. There are currently about a hundred mother-of-pearl artisans in French Polynesia.

Béatrice Brothier, passionate gemologist.