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The farm is somewhere that I love to go to unplug, regroup, and get inspired, and is an experience that I love to share with anyone that I can. The day before yesterday during our Gems of Tahiti show, I described it as a life changing experience for those that have the opportunity to visit and really embrace the farm lifestyle. What I mean by this is, the farm offers the opportunity to unplug from the mainland and live in a place that is vastly different than what we see in our daily lives. It is more than just a beautiful destination with turquoise blue lagoons and abundant marine life, but it is also like taking several steps back in time to a place where the technology and way of life that we have grown to know and appreciate ceases to exist. Imagine literally walking on to an airplane and landing somewhere that does not have a grocery store on every neighborhood block, no landlines or internet, or even continuous running water. Now add mosquitos, rodents, and sand fleas- this is the farm. Many of you are probably wondering why I love a place like this so much? Well, as I described it to my wife a few weeks ago- this is my real life Swiss Family Robinson or Robinson Caruso experience! In all seriousness, the experience of going to the farm is something that I very much love and has become a big part of my life. For the reasons that not only does it offer me a chance to connect with pearl production on a deeper level and witness the changes that are happening first- hand, but it also allows me to take a step back and gain a deeper perspective on not only the pearl, but also the importance of the pearl not only as an industry, but culturally to the farmers and those in the islands.
My good friend in the Palawan golden South Sea farms once told me that beautiful pearl harvests is the greatest indicator of marine health. The reason being is that if the water is too acidic then the oyster cannot survive and the pearls that are cultured will lack luster and size because the acidity will erode the layers of pearl nacre. Also, when a lagoon or body of water has an abundance of marine life, we know that the waters are rich in nutrients and balanced- allowing the animals to thrive. When you visit the farms, you witness not only those who are actively working as pearlers, but also non pearlers pay a special reverence to the waters and the land. This reverence includes fishing only what is needed for their family, protecting reefs, and in general living off of the land in a way that will promote sustainability. This all directly relates back to their reverence and esteem in which they hold the pearl.
While pearls are one of the top 3 industries in French Polynesia, this attitude carries over to many other pearl regions as well. In particular, the islands of Palawan in the Philippines also demonstrates the importance in which pearls have in their islands. In this particular farm, 8 farms are spread over the vast island province to insure that mollusks are spread out so that no one area is over run with mollusks creating competition for food and creating excess waste in the water. Also, educational programs have been set up for rice farmers and younger generations to discourage harmful farming methods such as slash and burn farming, which creates land slides and causes the ashes and pollutants to fall in to the water. This farm even goes to such lengths that bio matter from the mollusks when removed during the cleaning stages is set aside and used as organic fertilizer at their vegetable farm. This is the length that farmers will take their farming methods to help protect their area and help insure marine health and great harvests!
In a way, pearls mean life for the inhabitants of the archipelagos where the pearl is cultured. While we may see pearls as a gem, the farmers and residents of the island see them as so much more. This is a symbol of their livelihood and way of life. With this view of pearls, it is much easier to understand why farmers place a higher value on unique color and bright luster than the roundness of a pearl. It is a love of all pearls that are cultured for their specific character. It is this reason that we choose to showcase different types of pearls in varied shapes, sizes and colors. While the farm is several thousand miles away, tucked in the smallest corners of the earth, it is the farmers appreciation of pearls that we hope to convey to you!
Kwan Collections 
Thanks, Nick, for these glimpses into the world beyond my purchases of FEM pearls on SHQ. I love each of my pearls so much and do appreciate that so much love and labor goes into each one but your posts help me see an even bigger connection and bring the world and people of the farms up close. I have been watching item 132-146, waiting for value pays and praying it did not sell out and just after I read your wonderful post, I checked and voila! Now I am waiting with happy anticipation to meet my new golden pearl. Each time I wear it I will send prayers of thanks for the farmers and their care. And always for you and your family. I thank you and all the careful, loving hands and hearts who bring these treasures to me. In gratitude and appreciation, Samantha
I am so glad you enjoy the posts Samantha! Have you had a chance to check out the last 2 videos I posted? I especially love the last one with my friend Robert. It is just good insight in to island life and the importance that the pearl has to the areas in which they are cultured. You can see how ingrained in the culture our gems has become! Thanks again, and please let me know if we can do anything!!!