Page 12 - Pacific Paradises 2019

— Cook Islands —

PEARLS OF THE COOK ISLANDS

Take home from the Cook Islands of Penryhn from the smallest pearl When it comes to the size of a pearl,
the most romantic souvenir of producing shell in the world, it rarely the-bigger-the-better is a general rule to
all that captures the beauty and grows larger than eight millimetres. go by. The largest black pearl that was
magic of the islands—a Cook The pearl farming process involves the ever found measured 25 millimetres
Islands’ black pearl. young oysters or ‘spats’ being harvested though most of the pearls today measure
and selected for farming. A bead is then somewhere between seven and seven-
Lustrous, precious pearls are indigenous and-a-half millimetres. An average
to the Cook Islands, and the black pearl nucleated (seeded) inside the oyster and pearl like this takes two to three years
is unique to French Polynesia and the the oysters are hung out on a line. Twice to develop with bigger pearls taking
Northern Group of the Cook Islands. a year the oysters are cleaned to allow considerably longer. However, it is a risk
The Cook Islands’ pearl farming is for optimal nutrient flow to the pearl. farming larger pearls because the bigger
the nation’s second largest industry. Over time, often several years, the bead a pearl grows, the harder it is to maintain
The northern islands of Manihiki is coated with a nacre finish naturally a perfect spherical shape.
and Penryhn are world famous for created by the oyster. A beautiful black
producing this sensuous beauty in the pearl is then removed and harvested. Pearls range in colour from a refined
clear, unpolluted waters of the lagoons. There are a number of factors to consider white to a ravishing black, encompassing
The beautiful atoll of Manihiki is the when purchasing a pearl. A valuable silver, cream, gold, green and blue.
cultured black pearl capital of the Cook pearl has an unblemished surface clear of Across the world there are also
Islands and produces pearls that become imperfections such as cracks, bumps and burgeoning markets for the keshi and
centrepieces for fine jewellery worn holes. The pearl’s lustre complements the poppyseed pearls that have 100 percent
worldwide. Another extremely rare pearl surface quality. Brilliant reflectivity of nacre and a lustrous finish. These pearls
found in the Cook Islands is the natural an unblemished pearl is considered the are less symmetrical than standard
Golden Pearl. Grown in the lagoon finest quality of pearl. pearls, and are relatively less expensive.

Far from the clamour of our everyday urban world, in the vast blueness of the Paci c, lies the pristine
necklace of the Northern Cook Islands. The remote home of Avaiki pearls. From their clear depths, the
profusion of green, blue, aubergine and silvery hues in Avaiki pearls capture the rich colours of the lagoon.

For discerning jewellers and jewellery buyers who demand beauty, rarity and integrity, Avaiki pearls have a
special appeal. Only the highest grades of pearls sustainably harvested from the lagoon become Avaiki pearls.
Their consistently deeper nacre creates higher lustre and resilience - a rare beauty to stand the test of time.

Cook Islands Pearl Authority Tel +682 29 055 Fax +682 29 045 Email [email protected] Web www.avaikipearls.com
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