About Us
"Tiare" is the Tahitian word for the frangipani flower, the national flower of the Tahitian people, a symbol of the purity and beauty of the Tahitian landscape and way of life.
Tiare Black Pearl is an initiative of Alan and Winnie Maguire. Alan worked in vocational education for many years and Winnie is a registered nurse by profession but began their shops after spending several months each year working in Tahiti. They still visit Tahiti and other pearl producing countries such as Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines regularly and purchase only the finest pearls directly from the pearl producers in each country.
Our History
Tiare Black Pearl first opened its doors in Olinda, in the Dandenongs mountains one hour from Melbourne, in November 2003. The majority of their earliest customers knew very little about black pearls and Alan and Winnie decided from the start that they would provide videos, charts and detailed explanations about pearls, their origin, structure, grading and pricing.
Since there was no obvious system for grading and pricing pearls in Australia at that time (and indeed still today) they decided to adopt the Tahitian government's pearl grading system (see Pearls for an explanation).
As there were few "findings" or pearl settings available then Alan and Winnie began to manufacture their own styles in 18ct yellow and white gold, allowing customers to choose their pearls and settings separately which could then be made up into a stunning piece of jewellery while they waited (see DIY Pearl Jewellery.)
In June 2007 Alan and Winnie opened a store in Mornington, a beachside haven next to Port Phillip Bay and one hour's drive from Melbourne. However after five years of operating both shops seven days a week they decided to embrace the 'seachange' and work from home. Working from an online platform Winnie and Alan can now arrange private appointments either at customers' homes or in their "Pearl Studio" in Mornington. Express post delivery of $15 is available with insurance for items over $200 in value. Alternatively we will personally deliver items of $200 or more within the Melbourne metropolitan area.Tiare Black Pearl will continue to provide excellent service to their customers featuring exquisite, natural coloured pearls from all over the world and a selection of exclusive sterling silver, semi-precious stones and mother-of-pearl jewellery (see Jewellery).
