This article first appeared in the Pearl Report 2024-2025.

Robert Wan’s distinguished career spans decades of unmatched business acuity and visionary leadership. Now at 90 years old, the famed “Emperor of Tahitian Pearls” and founder of his namesake brand shows no signs of slowing down.

An Honorary Life President of the Tahitian Pearl Association Hong Kong, he remains steadfast in using his leadership and expertise to widen Tahitian pearls’ reach across emerging markets and demographics.

Lifelong passion

Robert first discovered Tahitian pearls in 1973. He would then go on to introduce Tahitian pearls to the world, devoting a lifetime to producing top-quality pearls and drawing attention to their mysterious elegance through innovations and partnerships.

In 1984, he acquired the South Marutea atoll in Polynesia’s Tuamotu Gambier archipelago, whose pristine conditions enabled the cultivation of Tahitian pearls of outstanding lustre, size and colour.

Another significant milestone in his career was a collaboration with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to establish the Robert Wan Educational Wing at GIA’s Carlsbad campus in California in 1997.

Through education and research, this endeavour proved instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding of and appreciation for Tahitian pearls in the trade. Similarly, this partnership effectively elevated the Tahitian pearl to the same status as diamonds and other gems.

“That was very helpful,” Robert told Pearl Report. Wan was also the first to organise Tahitian pearl auctions in Hong Kong where he presented the “Robert Wan” brand of Tahitian pearls to wider audiences. He likewise considers bringing Chinese pearl experts and technicians to Tahiti in French Polynesia a significant achievement.

Lustrous future

Several new projects and collaborations are underway for the Robert Wan Group. According to Robert, the group is scheduled to open two farms with the capacity to produce one million oysters per farm.

The group currently owns three islands and six farms in French Polynesia, which are renowned for producing a variety of different coloured pearls. Each island employs unique pearl production techniques, adding to the diversity and beauty of Robert Wan pearls.

“We also introduced a new collection in time for the 2024 Olympic surfing events in Tahiti,” explained Robert. “We continue to conceptualise fine jewellery designs inspired by new trends as well as local and international events.”

Robert Wan Tahiti, the group’s luxury pearl jewellery arm, regularly develops exquisite collections of top-tier Tahitian pearl jewellery for high-end consumers around the world.

While the Tahitian pearl business is facing a slowdown in demand following an extraordinarily strong, China-driven performance in 2023, Robert remains confident that business will recover.

He said China is still the most important market for pearls. In the meantime, pearl producers must focus on improving pearl colour and quality while jewellers should aim to offer distinctive designs to attract a younger generation of buyers.

From developing innovative pearling techniques and building a reputation for exceptional Tahitian pearls to establishing the Robert Wan Pearl Museum in Papeete and creating his own luxury pearl jewellery line, he has truly accomplished a great deal throughout his career.

Asked if there is one aspect of his life that he would change, Robert responded, “I would start my pearl business at an earlier age and innovate even more because this is my ultimate passion.”