This Mother's Day, I sat down with the woman who started it all. The woman whose love for pearls shaped not just a business, but a family legacy. She is the original Pearl Queen—my mum. We talked about motherhood, resilience, Tahitian pearls, and what it means to pass on more than just heirlooms, but purpose.
1. Do you remember the first time you fell in love with pearls?
Yes, I still remember it so vividly. It was in 1997. I was reading the June issue of National Geographic and there was a special feature on French Polynesia—its rich culture, pristine beauty, and the Emperor of Tahitian Pearls, Robert Wan. That’s when I saw them—Tahitian sea pearls. Their majestic colors completely captivated me. It was love at first sight.
2. What do pearls mean to you—as a woman, a mother, and a connoisseur?
As a woman, pearls embody elegance, strength, and resilience. As a mother, they represent love, purity, beauty, innocence, femininity, and grace. And as a connoisseur, pearls are about empowerment, sophistication, wisdom, wealth, and status. They reflect the many layers of womanhood.
3. What inspired your passion for Tahitian pearls?
I was fascinated by the way a mother-of-pearl oyster could give birth to something so breathtaking—colors that mirror the ocean and the rainbow, with a metallic luster that feels almost otherworldly. To me, that’s magical. That’s the soul of Tahitian pearls.
4. What were some of the biggest challenges when you started in the pearl industry?
Educating people about the existence of Tahitian sea pearls was a challenge. There was a lot of skepticism, especially about black pearls. I had to earn trust, break misconceptions, and show the market just how beautiful and rare these pearls truly are.
5. Did you ever imagine your daughter would carry on the legacy?
Yes, I did. I believe there was a divine grace to it. Pearls were part of you, Melizza, from the very beginning—your second name, your childhood, the world you grew up in. I always felt it would be passed on. But what I never imagined was how beautifully you would reimagine it in your own way. It’s incredible to witness.
6. What’s one lesson pearls have taught you that also applies to motherhood?
That love is never-ending. Like pearls, motherhood is a continuous journey of transformation. Both require patience, nurturing, and resilience.
7. How do you see the symbolism of pearls reflected in our family story?
Our family is resilient. We’ve weathered storms, yet we continue to shine. Pearls are like that—born from adversity, yet strong, wise, and full of grace.
8. What advice would you give to mothers who want to build something meaningful while raising a family?
Trust in your love. Let your nurturing, compassion, and resilience guide you. These are the same traits that raise a strong family and build a lasting legacy.
9. What’s your favorite piece from the Jaune Pearls collection, and why?
The Bee Collection. It symbolizes everything our family stands for—hard work, teamwork, strength, and divine wisdom. It’s more than jewellery; it’s a tribute.
10. If Jaune Pearls were a message to the world, what would you hope it says?
That nothing beats a family that is hardworking, passionate, loving, resilient, and compassionate. That is the essence of Jaune Pearls.
11. What life lessons have pearls taught you that you’ve passed on to me?
That even irritants—difficult moments in life—can become something beautiful, majestic, and magical. Just like a pearl.
At Jaune Pearls, every piece tells a story—and mine begins with my mum. Her passion for Tahitian pearls, her belief in beauty with meaning, and her unwavering strength are the foundation of everything we do. This Mother's Day, we honour all the women who’ve turned challenges into grace—just like the pearl. Happy Mother's Day to all.
With all my love,
Melizza Jaune
