Maxim - USA (2019-09)

MAXIM.COM SEP/OCT 2019 59

The waters surrounding French Polynesia produce some of the most

sought-after natural treasures on the planet, black pearls. While originally

harvested by free-divers searching for wild oysters on the seafloor, pearl

cultivation has made the process far easier and much safer. Mostly gone are

the days of locals free-diving and searching for a hidden prize, or the need

for scuba gear. For those without advanced free-diving or scuba experi-

ence, or to facilitate a find, today you can visit a pearl farm, where oysters

are raised, and nurtured, to create these mesmerizing objects. A process

more than a century old, pearl cultivation not only eliminates the need for

potentially dangerous diving, but helps conserve and protect the oyster

population around the islands.

Bora Pearl Company operates both The Farm and Dive for Pearl on

Bora Bora. They will not only educate you about pearl cultivation, but al-

low snorkelers to dive down and pick their own oyster, watch the extraction

of the pearl, and even have a piece jewelry crafted. Despite the name, black

pearls exist with color overtones that include blue, gold, eggplant, green

and peacock. While values vary widely based on various factors, generally

speaking, the rounder the pearl, the more it is worth. Perhaps during your

travels in French Polynesia, you’ll find a perfect specimen. The pearl you

take home might even be worth more than the cost of a dive, providing one

of the rare island adventures that can actually turn a profit. – Keith Gordon

Diving for treasure in French Polynesia

THE REAL BLACK PEARL

FRENCH POLYNESIA

Local Instagrammer Fiona (@travel.with.fiona) is pictured here in a SurfAce

Apparel bikini on the motu of the Meridien on Bora Bora; Top: A beautiful shot

by Fiona taken on the north of Bora Bora’s main island

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