Riding the Wind

Riding the Wind

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According to Daoist tradition, Liezi was said to possess a remarkable ability to ride upon the wind, traveling freely through the air and returning from distant places only half a month later. This legendary feat came to be known as “riding the wind,” an evocative expression of freedom, transcendence, and effortless movement.

The breeze itself is invisible, yet wings and clouds give form to its movement. Inspired by this imagery, designer Arista Lee arranged the diamonds in delicate flowing patterns that evoke both the wings of a bird and swirling clouds. The design symbolizes the wearer traveling freely with the wind, embracing new adventures again and again, while allowing life to unfold with greater richness across an expansive world. Like the Tahitian pearls themselves, that sense of abundance is expressed with quiet depth and restraint.

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Tahitian Pearl

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Tahitian pearls are cultured in the black-lipped oyster, Pinctada margaritifera, primarily in French Polynesia and the Cook Islands. They are renowned for their deep, naturally occurring bodycolors, which can range from dark gray and green to blue and other sophisticated hues, earning them the evocative name “black pearls.”

Cultivating Tahitian pearls is a long and demanding process. In addition to requiring suitable water temperatures and excellent water quality, the oysters generally need to be raised for around three years before undergoing their first nucleation. If the oyster accepts the nucleus and survives, the first harvest can take place approximately 18 to 24 months later, when the pearls typically measure around 8 to 10 mm in diameter.

Only a small proportion of oysters are able to withstand a second nucleation. The second nucleus is generally larger than the first, after which the oyster must undergo another extended period of cultivation. Oysters capable of surviving multiple nucleations are particularly rare, which is why Tahitian pearls measuring 12 mm or more become increasingly scarce.

Only a small percentage of Tahitian pearls are perfectly round. Those that combine a round shape with excellent luster, a clean surface, and an attractive bodycolor are especially rare and highly prized.