Our History
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About Us
Robert Wan is the world's leading producer of black pearls, trusted by leading jewelers and fashion designers such as Tournaire, Dupont, Harry Winston, Tiffany, Chaumet, Boucheron, Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Torrente, Mikimoto, and Chow Tai Fook. These great names have incorporated Tahitian cultured pearls into their innovative creations. Robert Wan's philosophy honors nature, reflecting the pristine lagoons in pearl cultivation.
The living legacy of Tahitian pearls
For over fifty years, he has combined ancestral wisdom with modern science to produce Tahitian pearls known for their exceptional size and captivating colors. Our farms, far from any industrial activity, are havens of biodiversity, producing pearls of unparalleled quality that symbolize sustainable luxury. Discover the timeless elegance of Robert Wan's Tahitian pearls.
The world of pearls
The Story Robert Wan
The Emperor of the Black Pearl
Born in Papeete in 1934, Robert Wan has become an iconic figure in pearl farming in French Polynesia. Coming from a modest family, he began his professional career at the age of 19, rising through the ranks through ambition and perseverance. In 1973, he acquired his first pearl farm in Mangareva, in the Gambier Islands, marking the beginning of an adventure that would lead him to be nicknamed "the Emperor of the Black Pearl."
An international vision
From the very beginning, Robert Wan focused on the exceptional quality of Tahitian pearls. In 1974, he traveled to Japan to meet Professor Sato, a collaborator of the famous Kokichi Mikimoto, a pioneer in pearl farming. This meeting allowed him to acquire advanced techniques that he applied in Polynesia, thus improving the quality of his pearls. His first harvest was entirely purchased by Mikimoto, sealing a lasting collaboration and strengthening the international reputation of Tahitian pearls.
A commitment to excellence
Robert Wan expanded his business by acquiring several atolls, including Marutea Sud in 1984, renowned for its exceptionally pure lagoons. He also worked to promote the recognition of Tahitian pearls as precious gems. In 1997, he established the Robert Wan Educational Wing at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in Carlsbad, California, contributing to the elevating quality standards and classification of black pearls.
A lasting legacy
In 1998, Robert Wan founded the Pearl Museum in Papeete, the only museum in the world entirely dedicated to pearls. This unique site traces the history, legends, and techniques of pearl farming, highlighting the cultural richness of French Polynesia. Today, the museum houses the largest round Tahitian pearl ever harvested, a symbol of Robert Wan's excellence.