Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler

For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler

  • Home
  • About
    • About PassingThru: Travel Resources and Inspiring Insights
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
  • Blog
  • Places
    • Africa
      • South Africa
    • Asia
      • China
      • India
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Singapore
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Australia & Oceania
      • Australia
      • Fiji Islands
      • The Philippines
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Bosnia and Herzegovina
      • Bulgaria
      • Croatia
      • Czech Republic
      • England
      • Finland
      • France
      • Germany
      • Hungary
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Latvia
      • Liechtenstein
      • Norway
      • Portugal
      • Romania
      • Russia
      • Serbia
      • Spain
      • Sweden
      • Turkey
    • North America
      • Alaska
      • Arizona
      • California
      • Florida
      • Hawaii
      • Illinois
      • Iowa
      • Kansas
      • Michigan
      • Minnesota
      • Missouri
      • Montana
      • Nebraska
      • Nevada
      • North Carolina
      • North Dakota
      • Pennsylvania
      • South Dakota
      • Wisconsin
      • Wyoming
    • General Travel
  • Resources and Tools
    • Gift Guides
    • Luggage and Packing
      • Luggage Tags
      • Passport Security
    • Technology
  • Contact
  • Opt-out preferences

Fiji Pearls: Alluring Gems from Paradise

By Betsy Wuebker 37 Comments

(Last Updated On: January 24, 2020)

Highly prized for their lustrous array of colors, and farmed in partnership with local communities, Fiji pearls are unique in the world of precious gems.

fiji pearls

Fiji pearls are prized for their beautiful colors

Out of the hundreds of thousands of visitors to Fiji each year, only about 20,000 or so make it to lovely little Savusavu, a town of less than 5,000 on Fiji’s second largest island of Vanua Levu. If Savusavu is “Fiji’s best kept secret,” the opportunity to visit J. Hunter Pearls and see how Fiji pearls are farmed right in Savusavu Bay is another.

J. Hunter Pearls is a recent success story in the world of Fiji pearls. Since the 1960’s, Japanese pearl farmers have had a small presence in Fiji. In 1999, marine biologist Justin Hunter returned from the United States to his hometown of Savusavu with innovative new ideas on how to resurrect and grow the pearl farming industry in Fiji. Justin’s vision was to enlist local village residents as partners in order to maintain the unspoiled natural environment and create economic opportunity.

fiji pearls

Different colors on display at J. Hunter Pearls

fiji pearls

Stringing a multi-colored necklace Photo Credit: J. Hunter Pearls

Nowadays, J. Hunter Pearls leases from fishing rights owners, employs local workers to clean and harvest, and provides scholarships to deserving students as part of its community partner status. Additionally, the company abides by a strict environmental code of practice which has helped increase fish populations in the bay, adding local economic benefit. This video from four years ago gives an overview:

J. Hunter Pearls is located in an unassuming building across from their small pier on Savusavu Bay, with the main pearl farm located straight out from the pier.

fiji pearls

Buoys piled in the warehouse

fiji pearls

Schedule board in warehouse keeps track of production

We were treated to a comprehensive presentation and then shuttled out in a small skiff to the farm. In the middle of Savusavu Bay,  workers were cleaning and inspecting oysters amidst the buoys that marked their growing cages.

fiji pearls

Pearl farm workers on their way

fiji pearls

Extracting the oysters from their netted cages

fiji pearls

Cleaning barnacles from the oysters by hand – you can see rejected white beads on the flooring

fiji pearls

Rough work on hands – different colored string identifies growth stages

It was at this point in our visit that we began to realize why Fiji pearls are so expensive. Not only is their color variety so unique, but the hands-on, organic aspects of their cultivation and care add to their overall finished value.

fiji pearls

Pete holds a mature oyster

Fiji pearls still have a Japanese connection: J. Hunter Pearls employs expert technicians who come from Japan to implant the oysters with small beads (which interestingly, come from the Mississippi River). The oyster then forms the pearl around the bead, which it views as an irritant, by secreting lining material around it. The color of the pearl is determined by the color of the lining just inside the black lip of the oyster. The entire process takes about 18 months, and a producing oyster can yield 3-4 pearls on average through its lifespan.

fiji pearls

Different linings produce different colored pearls, formed around the inserted white bead

fiji pearls

Oyster shells post-harvest – imagine the color of the pearl from each one!

The oyster may reject the bead, resulting in no pearl. The oyster may also grow a pearl which has no nucleus, called a keshi pearl. Fiji pearls can be single color or variegated and striated. J. Hunter Pearls come in two different color palettes: warm – champagne, chocolate, copper, cranberry, gold and pistachio, and cool – deep blues and greens. Overtones can include coppery-gold, deep sapphire, dusty rose and turquoise. All are stunningly beautiful.

Keshi pearls - Photo Credit: J. Hunter Pearls

Keshi pearls – Photo Credit: J. Hunter Pearls

fiji pearls

J. Hunter Pearls uses white and yellow gold settings with diamonds to enhance individual pendants

fiji pearls

Multiple pearl bracelets often combine colors

Pearl farming isn’t without its hazards. Young oysters are fragile and prone to predators. As well, just as with land farming, natural disasters such as cyclones or environmental anomalies threaten yields. This video from three years ago shows the effects and aftermath of a cyclone.

Fiji pearls are in high demand in European markets, most notably Austria, Switzerland and Germany. J. Hunter Pearls currently exports about 70-80% of its pearls to European partners, and would like to expand in other markets.

Back in the showroom, we oohed and ahhed over the Fiji pearls which had been crafted into a variety of stunning jewelry pieces. Necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings were tempting, as well as carved mother of pearl pieces made from the shells.

fiji pearls

Leather bracelet with three pearls

fiji pearls

Mother of Pearl carvings

fiji pearls

Rings and pretty things

Changes are afoot in Savusavu Bay with the approval of a high-end resort project on the foreign investor-owned island adjacent to where the pearl farm is currently located. Of concern is the potential environmental impact the project will have which may disturb the fragile ecosystem the oysters require. We felt fortunate to have visited prior to any real work being done on this project. Sweet little Savusavu will be a different place once it has been completed. All the same, we plan to visit again, and you should, too, for a glimpse of the real Fiji and real Fiji pearls.

Tips for Trip Success

Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by usingย CheapOAir, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.

Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans ofย Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go toย TripAdvisor.

You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.

PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

To view PassingThruโ€™s privacy policy, click here.

Filed Under: Fiji Islands, Oceania, Travel Tagged With: Fiji, fiji islands

Comments

  1. Jeanne Horak-Druiff says

    December 8, 2014 at 12:16 am

    Oh wow – what astonishing colours! I did not know there was a pearl industry in Fiji. I do own a glorious blue Tahitian pearl in a pendant – I find coloured pealrls so much more interesting than white. Great post!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      December 8, 2014 at 5:02 pm

      Hi Jeanne and welcome! Yes, the colors in the Fiji pearls are amazing. You’re fortunate to own a Tahitian pearl, as those are very valuable as well. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  2. noel says

    December 9, 2014 at 7:11 am

    What a fun tour, thanks for taking us to those warm waters and touring this amazing place! I didn’t know there were so many different colors of pearls, which one was your favorite?

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      December 9, 2014 at 12:58 pm

      Hi Noel – We were amazed by the color range as well, but the one I liked the best was the pistachio green. Absolutely stunning and so unexpected in a pearl.

      Reply
  3. Irene S Levine says

    December 9, 2014 at 12:47 pm

    I visited a pearl factory in Majorca but it seemed like much more of a commercial enterprise for cruise tourists. Yours looks like a great visit!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      December 9, 2014 at 1:02 pm

      Hi Irene – Yes, it was really fun to go out on the water and see how the oysters were planted and handled. Very respectful and deliberate processes.

      Reply
  4. Juergen | dare2go.com says

    December 9, 2014 at 1:27 pm

    These look like amazing pearls! My deceased mother was an absolute admirer of the beauty of real pearls and spent quite a small fortune on quality ones. So there could be something in the family line… LOL

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      December 10, 2014 at 1:48 pm

      Hi Juergen – The size and the color of Fiji pearls really make them extraordinary. It sounds like you may have inherited your mother’s appreciation. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  5. Nancie says

    December 9, 2014 at 9:37 am

    I love pearls and these are gorgeous. I was in Hawaii on my 34th birthday, and I bought a “pearl in a can” for five bucks. Turned out to be a lovely one, and so I paid to have it put in a gold setting (of course, that is the hope). I have it on my finger now, and it is still one of my favorite rings. (I am a ring freak) ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      December 9, 2014 at 1:00 pm

      Hi Nancie – Sounds like you had a lucky day! Some of the Fiji pearl rings are so large that I had a momentary concern that I’d knock it into something by accident. But I wouldn’t mind putting it to rest. ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Reply
  6. Karen Warren says

    December 10, 2014 at 3:57 am

    What an amazing variety of colours! It’s good to see a traditional industry being carried on in a sustainable way.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      December 10, 2014 at 1:50 pm

      Hi Karen – It is indeed. We really admire their commitment and the product, of course, speaks for itself.

      Reply
  7. Shelley says

    December 10, 2014 at 7:22 am

    It’s amazing to me that simple oysters can produce beautiful pearls. I love the colorful ones, and itโ€™s great this sustainable, environmentally friendly venture is providing work for the local Fijians. Hopefully it can continue!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      December 10, 2014 at 1:51 pm

      Hi Shelley – We totally agree. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  8. Michele Peterson says

    December 9, 2014 at 2:46 pm

    What an interesting post! I just love pearls and gems and even took a beginner’s gemology course to learn more about grading, quality and other attributes. I’d love to visit Savusavu and experience the process firsthand but in the meantime you’ve given me more of an appreciation of the effort that goes into farming pearls in Fiji as well as the beauty. The range of colours is quite fantastic.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      December 10, 2014 at 1:49 pm

      Hi Michele – Savusavu is a gem in and of itself, not to mention the opportunity to see its pearl industry. I’m sure you’d love it all. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  9. jenny@atasteoftravel says

    December 10, 2014 at 3:27 am

    I would never have associated pearls with Fiji…and what incredible pearls they have! Thanks you for such an informative post Betsy.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      December 10, 2014 at 1:49 pm

      Hi Jenny – Glad you enjoyed it. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  10. Sue Reddel says

    December 10, 2014 at 4:12 am

    Just love your photos they really tell the story so wonderfully. I had no idea such beautiful pearls came from Fiji. Thanks for the education.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      December 10, 2014 at 1:51 pm

      Hi Sue – Glad you enjoyed it. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  11. Donna Janke says

    December 11, 2014 at 4:39 am

    I’m not a big jewelry wearer, but I’d love to have that multi-coloured pearl necklace. It was interesting to read about harvesting pearls. It would so much cooler to actually see it.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      December 11, 2014 at 8:08 am

      Hi Donna – The necklace is absolutely stunning in person. I think you’d enjoy the tour as much as we did.

      Reply
  12. Anita @ No Particular Place To Go says

    December 11, 2014 at 5:22 am

    I have always pictured pearls in the traditional creams and maybe some pastels but, oh the colors! Thanks for sharing this very interesting post. I hope we get a chance to visit Fiji some day.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      December 11, 2014 at 8:09 am

      Hi Anita – Yes, the depth of color in these pearls is unique in the world. I can’t get them out of my mind! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  13. Suzanne Stavert says

    December 10, 2014 at 3:35 pm

    Wow – this whole story was breathtaking! Nature at its very best, a miracle. The pearls are magnificent. You share this story so beautifully – You have me sold on Fiji! What an amazing place.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      December 10, 2014 at 8:58 pm

      Hi Suzanne – I’m sure you’d love Fiji for many of the same reasons we do. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  14. santafetraveler says

    December 11, 2014 at 5:49 am

    Want an interesting post. Love the black pearls- they’re stunning/

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      December 11, 2014 at 8:10 am

      Hi Billie – Once I saw the other colors, my preference for black took a back seat. But they’re all beautiful.

      Reply
  15. Carole Terwilliger Meyers says

    December 12, 2014 at 1:45 pm

    The Fiji pearls come in almost a rainbow of colors. I was amazed when I saw them. When I visit again, I plan to buy that 3-pearl leather bracelet. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      December 12, 2014 at 3:38 pm

      Hi Carole – I was surprised to see and really liked the more casual feel of the leather bracelets and rings.

      Reply
  16. Johanna says

    December 13, 2014 at 9:13 pm

    Gosh, what some beautiful colours. It’s a hard tough life being a pearl farmer or engaged in pearl farming – we have some in NW Australia near Broome. Fascinating to watch the process, even lovelier to buy the pearls ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      December 14, 2014 at 4:56 pm

      Hi Jo – Yes, indeed, Fiji pearls are standouts, and part of that is that they’re so fragile and difficult to grow. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  17. Cath says

    February 13, 2015 at 3:22 pm

    This was really interesting. I had no idea that pearls came in so many different colours.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      February 13, 2015 at 3:58 pm

      Hi Cath – Neither did I. They are absolutely gorgeous.

      Reply
  18. donna-may says

    February 3, 2016 at 2:35 am

    Hi there…. I was wondering where one might buy the pearl bracelets with cord on this page.

    Thank you so much!

    Donna-May

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      February 3, 2016 at 2:46 am

      Hi Donna-May – J. Hunter Pearls website: http://www.fijipearls.com/jewellery/

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Savusavu: Fiji's Hidden Paradise - Passing Thru says:
    December 22, 2014 at 3:57 pm

    […] Fiji Pearls: Alluring Gems from Paradise […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

 

Hi, I’m Betsy. I traveled the world full time for close to four years and have visited more than 50 countries. If you’re a curious and thoughtful traveler, you’re in the right place. No matter if you’re new to travel or an old hand, I can help you refine your bucket list!

Here’s to a happier, travel-centered life!

Biggest and Best Oktoberfest in Germany: Munich 2023

Bucket List Ideas

  • Things You Will Learn About Yourself While Walking the Camino de Santiago
  • 10 Unmissable Attractions in Bhutan
  • Biggest and Best Oktoberfest in Germany: Munich 2023

More Bucket List Ideas

Privacy Policy

Click here for PassingThru’s Privacy Policy.

Disclosure

PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Click here for PassingThru’s complete Disclosure Policy.

Copyright © 2023 Passing Thru ยท Designed by Blue Sun Studio, Inc. on Genesis ยท Log in

Manage Cookie Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}