[salem]

Hi Josh,

Wow, thanks for the invite. I don't have any plans to go to Tahiti any time soon, but this may give me incentive. I would love to learn more about pearl farming in a hands on way. When is the best time of year to visit, if for pearling reasons?

[Josh]

We have four harvests a year that usually happen in February, May, right now and November. They go on for about 2 to 3 weeks. When we aren't harvesting we are grafting (seeding) and that's fun to see as well. The only time we don't take visitors is during the holidays in December and in July during our break.http://www.pearl-guide.com/forum/ima...lies/smile.gif

[Ashley]

I am impressed, Josh! Such informative posts and your website is gorgeous! I love the pictures of pearl grafting and the surrounding environment you live in.. you are a very lucky person!! I also really like how much of a familial touch you added to your site; so many jewelry sites are all about the product and fail to include all the people behind it that they end up seeming rather impersonal...

As far as visiting your farm goes, wouldn't it be amazing if we were able to get a whole Pearl-Guide group tour going? Just a thought...

[Josh]

So why not? We've got plenty of room. Let's make it happen for the November harvest. We have some flexibility regarding harvest time and could shoot for Octoberish if need be. People just need to know that Ahe is 350 nautical miles from Tahiti and takes an hour some plane ride or a three day boat trip (highly recommended for you adventurous types).

[Ingykiz]

Josh,
It was a real adventure, touring your website. Very creative and informative, almost like a National Geographic Special. I really enjoyed the pics, info, background etc. Does your father still have a presence in your business?

[Josh]

Nope. He's been retired for about 5 years now. Do you know him?

[Ashley]

Unfortunately, November would never work for me which is too bad, as I would consider it the best birthday ever!! But, alas, I have to man the offices for the busiest time of the year- Christmas. It gets to be a real mad house over here trying to keep up with all the orders!

[Josh]

Glad to hear business is that good. I'm new to this online thing but I'm hoping for that sort of attention.

[Mandy]

Your site is so informative, so fun! I enjoyed reading through it and discovering about your pearl farm and your business. I wish you success and good luck! <3

[Ingykiz]

Josh,
No, I did not know your Dad personally but when I read you website, I saw a journey of a dedicated pearl lover. It is nice that you are carrying on the family business. Maybe you can post some pics of your next harvest for us pearl lovers. Keep posting!

[Ashley]

Hey Josh-

Your pearls are so gorgeous that I'm sure you won't have too much trouble getting noticed... posting on P-G definitely helps! If you're looking to really start building a solid client base of US jewelers, designers and other retailers though, I'd highly recommend getting a booth at the Tucson or Vegas AGTA Fairs. Dizzying in scope and size, but the AGTA Pavilions are really an excellent way to attract attention for your pearls and talk to the buyers in person.

Also, if you can get your hands on a current copy of the JBT Book (Jewelers Board of Trade in the US, it lists almost EVERY SINGLE retailer, wholesaler, importer, manufacturer, designer etc etc etc in the US that is currently operating along with current credit ratings, address and phone number), and get somebody to start pounding the phone lines with cold calls you are bound to open a few wholesale accounts! It's a very old-school way of doing business, but during my tenure as a gemstone wholesaler, also fairly effective. Plus, you have an interesting product (read: NOT DIAMONDS) that might get you an easier in with the owners. The key with that route is good, old-fashioned consistency.

[Caitlin]

Ashley is correct. I also think the GJX pavillion is also an exellent choice. It is right across the street from the agta show in Tucson. The Sea of Cortez pearls are in that pavillion and also one of Fuji Voll's booths and also the Rankin's natural pearl booth. It seems to have more specialty pearls...

[Ashley]

The Sea of Cortez pearls are in that pavillion and also one of Fuji Voll's booths and also the Rankin's natural pearl booth. It seems to have more specialty pearls...

Ahhh, I SO want to see the Cortez and Rankin pearls in person!! What a treat!

[Josh]

Wow everybody, I really appreciate the help. I dream of selling all of my pearls to people who understand the product.
Caitlin thanks for the heads up on the JYX Pavillion. Can I get a place there by going to tucsongemshowguide.com?
Ashley thanks for the nuts and bolts. Never hurts to hear them again. I didn't know about the JBT book and look forward to getting my hands on it. I plan to be at the Tucson show to really sink me teeth in as well as to meet all of you.

[Josh]

Here's some of what I'll be bringing to Tucson.