Cultured Pearls
At MAISON ROCA, we specialise in cultured pearls, meticulously selected for their beauty, quality and authenticity. Our expertise and passion for fine jewellery allow us to present exceptional pieces that embody elegance and excellence. At our boutique at Avinguda Meritxell, 18, our expert gemmologists provide personalised guidance and a professional, trusted service.
The iconic Tahitian pearls
Polynesian pearls have become true symbols of excellence, sought after by a distinguished clientele that includes some of the world’s most prestigious jewellery Maisons, such as Chaumet, Cartier, Mikimoto and Van Cleef & Arpels, which select these exceptional pearls for their most exclusive creations.
At present, Robert Wan operates seven pearl farms across the archipelagos of French Polynesia, accounting for approximately 60% of the region’s production. As both pearl producer and jeweller, he places particular emphasis on preserving the biodiversity of the atolls in which his pearls are cultivated.
Orient, a hallmark of quality
The reflection of light creates the characteristic lustre and radiance of a Robert Wan pearl. A pearl’s so-called orient appears when the nacre reflects and refracts light through the aragonite crystals formed around its nucleus. This optical phenomenon is regarded as one of the principal indicators of an exceptional pearl.
Unique pearls
Each pearl possesses a distinctive shape and size, determined by the biological characteristics of the marine ecosystem in which it develops. As a result, every layer of nacre displays its own individual qualities.
Each pearl also reveals unique nuances and overtones. For this reason, the careful selection and matching of the pearls required to create a necklace or bracelet may take several years. This singularity explains the difference in value between pearls set in a jewel and those offered individually and ensures that every Robert Wan creation is entirely unique.
Polynesian pearls, admired throughout the world
Black, deep grey, with blue, red or green overtones, round or elongated, the Tahitian pearl is synonymous with refinement and elegance. The exceptional character of Polynesian pearls lies in their distinctive colours and in the remarkable natural conditions in which they develop.
The Polynesian pearl, an ecological success
A symbol of harmony between humankind and nature
The pearl-producing centres of French Polynesia represent a remarkable example of ecological success. The pearls are cultivated in lagoons of exceptional purity, located more than 5,000 kilometres from the world’s principal industrial centres.
Highly coveted luxury jewellery
Tahitian pearls set in Robert Wan jewellery are among the most sought-after creations in High Jewellery. They represent the ultimate expression of purity, elegance and refinement and appeal to a discerning international clientele.
Akoya Pearls
Akoya pearls are cultivated along the coasts of Japan, particularly in the regions of Mie, Ehime, Kumamoto and Nagasaki. In the province of Shima, Kōkichi Mikimoto first encountered the world of pearls and was immediately struck by their exceptional value. Recognising that the overexploitation of marine resources was unsustainable, he understood the need to develop a method of pearl cultivation that would regulate and stabilise a practice threatening to cause serious harm to the marine ecosystem. He also travelled to Osaka and Kobe to study and understand the channels through which pearls were distributed and sold.
Kōkichi Mikimoto, one of the world’s great inventors
In 1888, the young merchant attended a marine products fair in Tokyo. There, he realised that the pearl trade, which was flourishing at the time, would eventually decline as a result of the rapid reduction in natural pearl production.
From that point onwards, Kōkichi began experimenting with the cultivation of pearl oysters. After several years of unsuccessful attempts, he ultimately succeeded in producing the first cultured pearls. This achievement made it possible to broaden access to pearls and establish a more sustainable source of supply.
The world’s first cultured pearl Maison
Kōkichi Mikimoto opened his first pearl boutique in Tokyo in 1899. With a clientele composed primarily of international visitors, he soon gained recognition in the United States and subsequently in England and France. During this period of expansion, he focused on creating luxury jewellery using his own cultured pearls.
From 1924 onwards, he became Japan’s most prestigious jeweller and his talent also earned recognition in the West. The Maison established an exceptional reputation, which it continues to uphold today, largely owing to the incomparable quality of its cultured pearls.
Creations of exquisite purity
Cultured pearls in High Jewellery
Today, Mikimoto belongs to the select circle of the world’s foremost High Jewellery Maisons. Its creations are admired and sought after internationally. The Maison enjoys the esteem of the luxury industry and of some of its most influential figures. Crafted from precious and exceptional materials and enhanced by the delicacy of pearls, its jewellery becomes a true work of art.
The precious pearls of the South Seas
Australian and South Sea pearls possess incomparable lustre and extraordinary natural beauty. Over more than three decades, the Maison Kailis has established itself as a leading name in both pearls and fine jewellery.
The history of Australian pearls
The origins of Australian pearls are closely linked to the free-diving collection of mature Pinctada maxima oysters, which may be between 10 and 20 years old. On occasion, these oysters already contain natural pearls. When they do not, a mother-of-pearl nucleus is carefully inserted to stimulate the formation of a cultured pearl. It takes between 12 and 36 months to produce a pearl of this kind. When handled with the utmost care, these oysters may yield several pearl harvests over the years.
At MAISON ROCA, we work with prestigious brands including Kailis and AUTORE, two of the leading producers of South Sea pearls of exceptional quality.
Gold, gemstones and pearls
The combinations of pearls, diamonds and other gemstones conceived by the MAISON ROCA design teams give rise to jewellery ranging from refined hippie-chic creations to timeless classic designs, presenting pearls in a diverse and contemporary way.
A pair of perfectly spherical Australian pearl earrings or a necklace composed of a single strand of Australian pearls represents the highest expression of elegance and ranks among the most versatile pieces of jewellery.
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