In the southwestern the Philippines, there is a mysterious island, where the rare golden pearls are produced. That place is Palawan and people called the “Island of the Gods” Believe me, it is not without a reason. This island is full of enjoyment, spectacular sea and beautiful landscapes. The rain forest mangroves, coral reefs, caves, the beaches and the clear blue waters will leave you breathless. This island is a ideal breeding ground of the worldfamous golden pearls. Pearls come in a variety of colours, shape, sizes and forms. There is even multi-colored pearls, but the South Sea Golden Pearl is the most difficult to produce. Pinctada maxima pearl oysters are the only oyster that produces South Sea pearls. Each oyster takes 5 years and 323 steps to produce one such gem. Any change in temperature and water conditions can affect the oysters. There’s only a 10% chance that the oysters create the natural golden pearl.
To ensure survival and proliferation, marine biologists have narrowed down 10 species of algae, out of the hundreds of thousands in the world, to be used by oysters as food for growth.
There are several pearl firms that actively operate at Palawan but only one cultivates the rare divine pearl. Jewelmer with its managing director and co-founder, Jacques Branellec, is the only pearl producer in the world that has successfully produced golden pearls.
“La Perla Divina” is the only living organic gem and needs neither polishing nor enhancements to bring out its natural beauty.
Jacques Branellec started his career flying airplanes before landing himself the good fortune of culturing pearls and making fine jewellery. From a pilot, he became one of the founders of the black pearl industry and established “Polynesie Pearl.” It is the ultimate orient philosophy, “the passion for perfection in every step of pearl farming on the quest for the perfect pearl”, which drives and inspires him to succeed. “Growing pearls is a real craft industry.” he explains. “Anything that the oyster feel or experience is directly reflected in the pearl which can therefore lose its quality. It is a long road to attain perfection.” He is an ecologist both by conviction and by necessity.
The golden pearl is a precious product which can only be created when nature and man-made factors are mixed in harmony. Their value depends on various criteria, most of which are subjective: there colour, their shine and their lustre. Some of the pearls are indeed sold as a very high price. For example, a Japanese men felt “so in love” with a golden pearl that he bought it from Jewelmer for 500,000 $.
Look beyond the physical beauty of the golden pearl and look at it, as a symbol of hope for environmental regeneration!!!
