Tahitian cultured pearl jewelry since 2006

A combination of elegance, originality, and quality

© Texte et photos : Doris Ramseyer

Tamatea Creation is the story of a passion for pearls .

How to sublimate its beauty? How to make it unique and unforgettable? By designing an original and elegant jewel. This is the challenge Sylvie, Christophe, and their son Tamatea imagined since 2006. After dreaming it, the jewel is designed and meticu- lously crafted. Set in luxurious frames, the Tahitian pearls become unique creations, where their iridescent reflections are magnified.

«Equilibrium» ring en or jaune et or blanc 18 carats et diamants GVS, perles de Rikitea (fabrication locale)

History of a pearl

Born in a Polynesian lagoon under caring eyes, it grew up among its peers, gaining over the years in grace, brilliance, and color, while some of its sisters were fading away. One day it was hoisted out of the water, its home opened, and wondering eyes took it in. It was laid carefully among other beauties, hands shuffled them, and then the gesture hung in the air : it had been chosen, like a queen.

Its name is Poe which means Pearl.

After a long journey, the pearl arrived in Tahiti. The trader offered it to Tamatea Creation. Sylvie seized it. She was already seduced by its iridescent color and its velvety texture. Christophe observed it, and the design of a frame quickly came to his mind. A local craftsman transformed the dream into reality : the pearl became a jewel, adorned with a rare elegance. Soon it will leave... to be worn, ad- mired and pampered....and to shine like never before.

Perle cerclée de Rikitea rehaussée d’un cerclage en or jaune 18 carats (fabrication locale)

Collier et sautoirs en keishi de Rikitea

BIRTH of Tamatea creation in 2006

The designers give the same attention to each pearl, “mabe” or “keishi”. Sylvie sees her training with pearl farmers as an opportunity: In the field, thanks to them, she learns how to identify the color, type, and quality of the pearls. For her, sorting them remains an exceptional moment when the moiré spheres roll between her fingers : bliss for the eyes and the skin. The couple chooses their pearls with care, looking for rare colors. Then they let their heart and imagination speak, mixed with a sure taste and a confirmed experience.

The “mabe” comes from a deformation induced on the shell of the oyster while the “keishi” is a natural pearl without a nucleus.

At first Sylvie created jewelry for her friends and relatives, then success came and Tamatea Creation was born.

The company is a family business: her husband Christophe, an electrician by trade, is now fully involved after a professional retraining ; as for their son, he participates at his own pace.

The creations bear her name : Tamatea, «the white child»; the child with opalescent skin.

Pendentif «Zébulon» 3 perles de Rikitea en or jaune 18 carats (fabrication locale)

Tamatea, the son of Sylvie and Christophe, in the shop that bears his name © Manu’a Vecker-Suenu’a Vecker-Sue

Originality and creativite

This is the concept of Tamatea Creation, where the works are constantly renewed, thanks to pearls that are always different and mounted on systematically original jewels. The creators know each of their pearly concretions. Sylvie knows instinctively how to enhance them: some will be better alone; others will reveal their beauty when associated with others. Then Christophe gives birth to the masterpiece on paper, where his pencil soars with grace. They also make jewelry imagined by their customers, for a sublime personalized creation.

A unique jewel, or one made in very small series.

The jewelers work in collaboration with local artisans, as creative as they are complementary. Their skilled fingers create beauty from 18-carat gold and silver, and even GVS diamonds. Each pearl has its own frame which is harmoniously matched to its color. For Sylvie, her preference is for multicolored reflections. W hen sublimated in a pure and refined creation, the pearl becomes the focal point.

Tamatea Creation offers jewelry that is both modern and timeless, to suit all styles and occasions, but above all, all desires.

Promoting French Polynesia

Buying a Tahitian pearl is like taking a piece of the island back home. A high-quality souvenir, which even in a colder or gray place, will faithfully evoke Tahiti, its light, and its smiles

Before the covid epidemic, the pinctada margaritifera pearls came from the Tuamotu Islands. Now Sylvie and Christophe use those from Rikitea, in the Gambier archipelago. The vast lagoon has ideal conditions for producing high quality pearls. Only the “mabes”, to which the creators are keen to give their letters of nobility back, currently come from the Tuamotu (Manihi and Takapoto atolls). Names that evoke beaches hemmed in turquoise water, where the wind gently rustles the palms of the coconut trees. de Takapoto.

Earrings in18 carat white gold and 0.58 carat GVS diamonds, Rikitea pearls

Earrings in 18 carat yellow gold and GVS diamonds, Rikitea pearls. Manihi mabe earrings in 18k yellow gold (locally made)

Innovating, again and again

Since 2006, Tamatea Creation has never stopped innovating. Everything is reinvention, nothing is repeated. A state of mind that is always present in the jewelry creation, during exhibitions in various shows, but also in the store decoration. Sometimes Sylvie integrates shells from Raiatea; a nod to her native island. Sometimes she adds some sand that she collects with her husband for a chic ethnic decor. Like a call from the open sea, the islands, the lagoon. Where small wonders of Nature are born. Those pearls will one day become exceptional jewelry, ready to make you dream. Except that it is not only a dream...

---

Where to find Tamatea Création jewelry

• In Tahiti, Papeete : Bijouterie Tamatea Création at PK One Center, Avenue Pouvanaa a Oopa

Tel : +689 40 57 67 68

E-mail : bijouterietamateacreation@gmail.com

• In Tahiti, Papeete, Vaima Center : Concept Store Kaly&Joy • On the Aranui 5 ship :

Tél : +689 40 42 62 42 - Email : reservations@aranui.com

• At Tahiti Faa’a airport :

Tahiti Duty Free

• Sale on board Air Tahiti Nui

• Soon in Bora Bora

---

Want to know more ?

File to find in your magazine POERAVA 2022