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Sustainability
Pearls are the most ancient and sought after gem in the world with a history which has always been strongly interconnected with the one of mankind.
The strongly growing demand of pearls up through the Middle Age had severe consequences on the number of pearl oysters in the seas. After the European discovery of the Polynesian secrets of the South Pacific islands in the 18th century, the intensified catch of oysters in the lagoons resulted in an almost extinction of the black-lipped oyster in just 150 years. Hence, thanks to the  breakthrough and initiation of the pearling culture, first in Japan around 1904, then in Australia in 1954 and since in French Polynesia in 1963, the pearl oysters around the world were able to survive.

Through this perspective we now live with a mutual dependency between nature, man, and the pearl. With the purpose of ensuring a stable future both for a naturally healthy environment and the source of income for the people working within the industry, the perception of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), is a movement towards better conditions for both the workers and their environment.

Pearl culture can be found in different places in the world, which therefore might lead to some difficulties is determining the exact origin of the pearl and thereby under which conditions it has been cultured. Only through regular visits directly at the pearl farms and through a close relationship with the pearl dealers, I can certify the authenticity for the cultured pearls in our collections. Marc’Harit only work with the best of pearls whether it is white or golden South Sea pearls or cultured pearls. And large parts of our collections have been cultured according to fair trade regulations.

Fair trade pearls signify a culturing process which both comprises a social and an environmental responsibility, yet also an environmental proactivity. Thus, the pearl farmers from both French Polynesia and Australia are compelled to follow a set of industry related directives put forward by the government of the individual countries. These regulations control the boundaries of the pearl culture thus enhancing the sense of balance between the necessities of the workers, being employed in the industry on one side, and the balance of the eco-system on the other side.

Fair trade or CSR requirements in their full state of performance are however still challenging to obtain within pearl culture. Only pearls which comply with the entire set of requirements, composing a special collection at Marc’Harit, are certified fair trade pearls.
More about fair trade: www.fairtradejewellers.com.