CoOK ISLANDS SuN
I sland L ife
The Cook Islands’ master pearl carver Tokerau Jim, whose family comes from the island of Manihiki, the heart of the Cook Islands pearl industry, skillfully creates affordable jewellery with pearl shells and black pearls. One of only a few pearl carvers in the world, Tokerau Jim can be observed pearl carving every Saturday morning at the Punanga Nui Cultural Market near Avarua, where he carves and personally engraves his work
for those who ask. During the week his main retail shop is located on the main road at Matavera on the eastern side of Rarotonga. A Tokerau Jim carved piece is distinctive in that he
Black pearls fit for a wedding royal Pearls were discovered thousands of years ago by the people of the South Pacific searching for food in the lagoons and waters surrounding their islands. They have valued this fabulous organic gem ever since as an adornment of beauty and celebration, and that appreciation has expanded over the years to a worldwide audience that has included royalty. Queen Elizabeth II wore pearls at her wedding in 1947. Wearing pearls at weddings has long been a tradition.
uses layering, a technique that gives the design a distinctive depth. It is the original shell or pearl that dictates whether the resulting design will be a flower or a whale, or a traditional Pasifika motif.
A Tokerau Jim carved piece is distinctive in that he uses layering
Black Pearls
Pacific Fabric Art For your Home
If you love the colours and contours of the Cook Islands and the intricacy of applique embroidery then you will want to see the range of bedding, home décor and accessories at Tivaevae Collectables. Take home something to remind you of your visit to the Cooks!
The Cook Islands has a proud heritage in commercial pearling going back to the 1890s when the lagoons of Manihiki and Tongareva (Penrhyn) were harvested for natural pearls and mother-ofpearl shells. Today, cultured black pearls are farmed in these same remote and pristine lagoons 1200km from Rarotonga, where pearl farming is the economic lifeline for these communities. In 2009, the governmentsponsored Cook Islands Pearl Authority developed its own brand Avaiki, to set the standards in black pearl farming. The Polynesian word Avaiki evokes the concept of
a spiritual homeland. Avaiki is the registered brand name for premium Cook Islands cultured pearls of A-B-C only grades that are produced by accredited farmers who meet performance benchmarks and standards. Black Pearls are arguably the best value souvenirs from the Cook Islands; more memorable still if they are associated with a wedding in the islands. Unique black pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, pearl pendants and pearl rings; something for everyone in a wedding party. And, you don’t have to look far to find a selection to suit every budget.
See Tivaevae Collectables range of bedding, home décor and accessories
Because they grow in the black lipped oyster. When the oyster shell is ground and polished you can see the spectrum of colours. So the pearls are not black as such but range in colour from aubergine, to champagne to peacock green.
What is special about Cook Islands black pearls?
How do black pearls compare with other pearls in value? They are second only to the Australian golden pearls ‘South Seas’ pearls.
Beauty & Spa with Rito at MBCH Muri Beach Club Hotel’s ‘Beauty & Spa’ use Rito Cook Islands products because they are natural and locally made. MBCH recommend you ‘pamper yourself in paradise’ with a soothing massage, cleansing facial, nourishing body wrap or blissful manicure-pedicure!
Rito products are used at Muri Beach Club Hotel ‘Beauty & Spa’
Why are black pearls so called?
Most Cook Islands black pearls are produced in the pristine lagoon of the northern atoll of Manihiki. The depth of the lagoon, the water temperature, the current, provide ideal conditions for growing black pearls. They are unique because of their variety of colours.
Located opposite the weather station at Nikao near the airport, look for their MUST STOP SHOP sign on the main road. Amicable owner Anne Reid will greet you in the showroom down the driveway. Anne started Tivaevae Collectables in 2005 supplying quality Pacificinfluenced ‘machine washable’ bedcovers to the resorts and the range of products grew from there. Now you can buy from the showroom or online!
Unique black pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, pearl pendants and pearl rings
Four things about buying
Rito Cook Islands beauty and health products are made with cold-pressed virgin coconut oil. The range includes cold-pressed virgin coconut oil, tamanu oil, soaps and skincare products. Rito products are available from
CITC Pharmacy in Avarua and from the Rito showroom at the Punanga Nui Market on Saturday morning. The factory is located on the main road in Tikioki, Titikaveka. Pop in and say hello when you see the Rito sign out on the roadside!
Call the Muri Beach Club Hotel ‘Beauty & Spa’ on 23000 and ask about their ‘every day’ specials.
What are the basic guidelines for buyers of black pearls? We value each pearl on its size, shape and quality. The quality of a pearl is determined by its lustre and how clean the surface of the pearl is. So we look for any imperfections on the pearl and the sheen or lustre of the pearl and grade it accordingly. To judge the lustre of a round or symmetrical pearl, the sharper the definition of your reflection the better the lustre. This contribution is courtesy of Lesley Okotai from Farm Direct Pearls, Harbour House, opposite Avatiu Harbor.
Pearl & Art Gallery
C O O K
I S L A N D S
P E A R L S
Simple Elegance & Timeless Beauty
Local Art by: Judith KunzLe - Limited edition Prints • ALLAn tuArA - traditional Carving •
Located UPTOWN Avarua, Taputapuatea • ph (682) 22312 • www.moanagems.co.ck
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