The art of mabe pearl. Inspire your style !

The technique of attaching a thin object—sometimes carved—to the inner shell of a mollusk, prompting it to defend itself by covering the intrusion with a fine nacreous layer, dates back to the first millennium in Imperial China. In the Islands of Tahiti, the first attempts were made 100 years ago in Apataki and Fakarava, followed by experiments 60 years ago in Hikueru and Bora Bora. Since then, the production of Tahitian mabe pearls has never ceased—because their iridescence is truly one of a kind. The Pearlescence boutique cultivates their beauty, elegance, and timelessness, according to its own artistic vision, with one goal in mind: to inspire your daily style.

Before mastering the grafting of cultured pearls, Man knew the Mabe (also called blister pearl), a Japanese word. To do this, a half-sphere or sculpted nucleus had to be delicately introduced under the oyster mantle, in direct contact with the mother-of-pearl. The animal, in reaction to this intrusion, would soon cover the foreign body with a multitude of nacre layers. A half-pearl, sometimes with a designed relief, was thus obtained. To get a half-pearl: the foreign body which was not expelled by the oyster had to be covered with layers of nacre. In the 1960's, the Mabe was produced in all the private and cooperative farms of Tahiti.

When the cultured pearl took off, thanks to the Japanese grafters, it was often neglected, due to its lower commercial value.

Nevertheless, the Mabe remains an exceptional creation and the Tahitian one is one of the most beautiful in the world. Pearlescence has always loved to pay tribute to this half-sphere mother-of-pearl which allows technically, all kinds of follies, all kinds of materials and all kinds of assemblies.

Jérôme and Stéphanie, who met almost 30 years ago on a pearl farm between Takapoto and Manihi, have kept their contacts in the Tuamotu. All the Mabe they select, like the pearls they choose, have a nacre thickness exceeding 0.8 mm. This ensures an iridescence and a luster that marries color and light in a waltz of irresistible elegance.

This jewelry store invented the Polynesian luxury, with the good spirit and professionalism that characterizes its owners.

First, the location of the jewelry store: a heavenly lagoon shore, a few steps from the entrance of the Sofitel Hotel in Moorea (on the right at the edge of the lagoon, before going up the hill); a small, well-groomed store which remain open to the wind and laughter. Its terrace where you can dry your feet still wet from the salt and ocean freshness, is watched over by dozing dogs.

The jewels are within reach, without any window.

We like to grab them, caress them, and try them on. Stéphanie brings her advice and Jérôme his anecdotes. We soon find ourselves in the Tuamotu, in the scents of sea breeze, jasmine and rocks wet by the waves.

The Mabe tells us about sunsets, the deep Tuamotu nights, the dawn sun promising a new day, unexpected trips, and the discovery of a world. We fall for this pendant, these earrings, or rather this bracelet, and the necklace over there. A little touch-up is necessary? It is made directly on site.

A last smile, and we leave with a beautiful story of Tahiti, a souvenir from the Tuamotu, a Mabe with deep reflections on the wrist, or a certified Tahitian pearl with infinite luster and surface, proudly claiming the thickness of its 0.8 mm nacre.

Casual but very professional.

As we said before: Luxury, the Polynesian way.

Contact

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Tel.: 87 29 05 79

PK 1,4 côté mer - Teavaro Moorea - Polynésie française

email : pearlescence@mail.pf

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