FASHTALKS WITH JAUNE PEARLS

When did you know you wanted to become a designer?

I grew up loving everything fashion, I remember as a child, I’d sketch my own designs for clothing and jewelry and my parents would help me craft them in real life.

What is your earliest design memory for your brand? 

I remember around the age of 10 I saw a beautiful pearl with a natural unique, yet beautiful shape. It reminded me of Beauty and the Beast’s Mrs. Potts. So, I designed the pearl to have a 24k gold spout, handle, and base. Up to this day, I wear it around my neck.

What made you want to design jewelry?

Since my parents were in the fine jewelry business before I was even born, growing up I was heavily exposed to the beauty of the fine jewelry business. I am confident in saying that designing Tahitian Pearls pieces is ingrained in my soul and blood.

“I like our pearls to resonate and empower individuals. I want it to radiate their inner elegance and beauty. I love crafting jewelry based on the people who have inspired me or have touched me with their personal journey.”

What did the beginnings of Jaune Pearls look like?

From a young age, Jennifer Tanpoco (my mom) loved jewelry, inspired by her mother's (my grandma) stories like "The Necklace" by Guy De Maupassant. In 1997, a National Geographic issue introduced her to the world of Tahitian Pearls and Robert Wan, the famous 'Emperor of Tahitian Pearls.' In a twist of destiny, she soon found herself working closely with the Emperor himself, rapidly ascending the ranks and immersing herself in the beautiful pearl industry.

By 2002, Jaune Pearls was born, a testament to Jennifer's passion and Mark Tanpoco’s (my father) entrepreneurial spirit. Our brand, named after the couple's daughter, Melizza Jaune, is more than just a label; it is a testament to deep-seated love. For nearly two decades, from 2002 to 2021, the brand remained an exclusive gem, meticulously curated for the private clientele of my parents.

However, in 2022, recognizing the potential of a broader audience in the digital era, the brand evolved by launching an online store, opening our doors to a wider market and making sustainable luxury accessible to many more. Despite our recent relaunch, Jaune Pearls has swiftly garnered international recognition.

Since its inception, the family has worked with, Robert Wan, The Emperor of Tahitian Pearls, and the finest artisans of French Polynesia and the Philippines to curate their luminous and thoughtful pearl collections. Their two decades' worth of expertise and close relationship with the heart of pearl farming regions ensures an authenticity and quality that is unlike any other.

When was your first industry experience and how did it impact you?   

My first industry experience was traveling with my parents around the world to meet with suppliers and attend trade shows and auctions. It was a quite magical feeling, I loved meeting new people, hearing new perspectives, and learning about different cultures.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in people’s stories. Jewelry to me is a statement, a symbol of one’s unique story. I like our pearls to resonate and empower individuals. I want it to radiate their inner elegance and beauty. I love crafting jewelry based on the people who have inspired me or have touched me with their personal journey.

What brand values are most important for Jaune Pearls?

Quality and Excellence: We are committed to ensuring that each of our creations is meticulously crafted and conceived with an unwavering dedication to quality and excellence, designed to enrich our client's experience.

Trust and Respect: Guided by principles of respect, trust, and transparency, we commit to equitable conduct, ensuring our actions reverberate positive impacts for all people and stakeholders.

Social responsibility is at the heart of Jaune Pearls. Thriving for a harmonious balance with nature and upholding human rights, we ardently commit to fostering a society wherein sustainability isn't a mere aspiration, but a tangible reality.

Innovation and Elegance: Fueled by a fusion of innovation and elegance, our craftsmanship births timeless masterpieces that embody the seamless integration of beauty and refined artistry.

Authenticity: Empowered by ingenuity, we stand as a company defined by authenticity. Our pearls, certified to be untouched by artificial treatments, possess a natural color and lustre that testify to the unadulterated beauty of nature's craft.

Love and Compassion: Our ambition is to present creations birthed from a place of love and compassion. Unwavering in our commitment, we serve not just the people, but also the planet.

“From the pristine waters of French Polynesia to you, we promise authenticity, contemporary sophistication, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable elegance.”

What was the toughest circumstance you overcame when just starting out your business? 

From my point of view, it was the transition to a new business model while internationalizing to a new market. There were so many things to consider; culture, market preference, logistics, supply chain, etc. As a 22-year-old then still at university, it was overwhelming but definitely worth it. Jaune Pearls has achieved so much in the span of 9 months since our first website launched, and for that I am thankful!

Do you find it difficult to have a brand based in Brisbane, Australia? What are the perks versus the challenges?

The relatively small market has been a challenge, but Brisbane is such a growing hub with the state preparing for the Olympics, there has been a lot of support and development within the environment. It has also been very inspiring being surrounded by nature, it has definitely influenced the designs and campaigns we have. Moreover, there is so much to learn from people here I am grateful every day for the experience.

How does sustainability play a role in your brand? What sustainable measures has Jaune Pearls taken to better the environment?

At Jaune Pearls, we strive to make and inspire positive change in the world by prioritizing and deeply caring about our people and our planet.

We delicately blend the timeless elegance of pearls with the virtue of sustainability. Pearls, by nature, are a shining beacon of sustainable luxury. Studies support that pearls are organic, renewable gems, they are created within living oysters, thriving only in waters free from pollution - an undeniable testament to their eco-conscious origin. While their radiant beauty is an undisputed draw, so much more beneath the surface enhances their allure.

We are deeply committed to crafting Tahitian pearl designs that are both ethically produced and environmentally responsible so that you can wear them confidently and proudly. We take every decision seriously, with the goal of minimizing our environmental impact while maximizing our positive social influence. From sourcing materials that are sustainably harvested to promoting fair labor practices, we strive to make every aspect of our business as responsible and mindful as possible. 

Our authentic Tahitian pearl designs are made with the utmost care and attention to detail, using responsibly sourced materials that are both high-quality and eco-friendly. We strive to maintain the highest levels of integrity, transparency, and quality throughout our supply chain, so we ensure that our long-standing partners are treated with love, care, and respect.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a new designer?

I grew up with my father always telling me that anything in life does not have to be perfect or assured success for one to go through with it. I resonate with that, sometimes making sure something is perfect before releasing or publishing something can be paralyzing, I guess one thing I can say is to be brave and learn throughout the process.

What sets your brand apart from the rest?

At Jaune Pearls, we believe in the transformational power of beauty - the kind that emanates from an authentic and confident self. Each of our Tahitian pearl pieces is carefully handcrafted to stand the test of time with over two decades of exceptional expertise and serves as a personal statement of elegance and sustainable luxury that radiates your inner beauty. A GIA-certified family funds us, we are deeply committed to maintaining the highest pearl quality standards and craftsmanship, delivering not just a piece of fine jewelry but an emblem of artistic expression. From the pristine waters of French Polynesia to you, we promise authenticity, contemporary sophistication, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable elegance.

What do you envision for the future of your brand?

A sustainable luxury house for fine jewelry that upholds its values and makes a difference in the world in its own unique way.

What is the most important thing you would like your brand to be recognized for?

I would like our brand to be known as a sustainable luxury fine jewelry house dedicated to our values, they are six pillars that guide and reflect our company.

What should customers expect to see next from Jaune Pearls?

We are excited to grow with our clients with upcoming innovative and elegant designs. We have a big launch of a new product that I believe is a beautiful and artistic way to wear Tahitian Pearls. It’s a fairly new practice in the industry, and I am excited!