One of a Kind

With our time on Rarotonga fast running out, we felt the need to make the obligatory black pearl souvenir purchases.
Seeking something unique rather than store-bought fare, we decided to create our own pendants and earring designs with the help of Colin Rattle, “The Black Pearl Jeweler”, a long-term resident of the island, originally hailing from England.
Our first stop was to buy pearls. We hand-selected 10 authentic Cook Islands black pearls of varying price points – our main criteria for selection being how aesthetically pleasing they were to us, rather than the classic ideal of the perfect unblemished spherical pearl. With the majority of shoppers desiring the aforementioned ‘perfect’ pearl, we instead searched for the more interesting shapes, the orphans, if you will, rather than your typical A-lister that the less-discerning visitors lap up.
With our treasures in hand, we paid a visit to Rattle in his workshop, inland from Muri, where we discussed ideas for our designs and the optimum way to realise our creative intentions. We wanted to make two near identical pendants promised as christening gifts, and another unique pendant as a pearl wedding anniversary gift, complete with a complementary set of earrings. With our so-far imaginary creations coming to life, we set out in search of chains that would set off our pendants, with the promise of returning in a few days’ time.
Upon returning to Rattle’s studio, we found we were not the first in line. The lady ahead of us, making her first venture into the world of bespoke jewellery, was especially happy with the outcome of her tailor-made ring. While we were in the workshop, several other visitors peeked in to look at some of the already crafted wares; some had had a little difficulty finding the venue and arrived looking a little bewildered. Rattle greeted them with, “if you are looking for something pretty and unique, you’ve come to the right place”.
When our turn came, we were assured that if we were unhappy with how the creations were shaping up we could alter them to our taste. As it turned out, we had no cause for alarm as the items came out better than we’d imagined. After having our own pieces made we spent the afternoon observing Rattle’s unique jewellery-making techniques and were shown a little of the history of jewellery and learned about how pearls are produced here in the Cook Islands.
We asked Rattle how long he’d been involved with hand-made jewellery and he told us about 15 years. He got his start at Rarotonga Goldsmiths, working there for four years before starting up his own business. He is now assisted by his able apprentice and son, Paul Rattle, who has almost five years’ experience in the sector and has himself proven to be quite the artisan, producing an unusual and exquisite four-pearl ring during the time we spent there.
All the pieces we saw being made were completed in preparation for the new shop opening in the next few weeks. Rattle senior and junior will be moving their business to the former Puna’s Butchers building on the coastal road, located next to Vara’s Backpackers in Muri, thus making them more visible and accessible to visitors.
We found that making our own choices every step of the way made the finished products much more meaningful and therefore more special to us. Being able to closely watch our jewellery being crafted made it an altogether more involving experience – we created memories as well as souvenirs.
By Simon Spinola and Samantha Jones

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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