Our founder, Alec Rupp-Smith and co-founder John Martin, grew
up on a very small island called Kwajalein in the Marshall
Islands. Talk about small, the island was only 2 miles long
and half a mile wide! Alec and John spent nearly all of their
free time in the ocean studying and exploring the habitat
and ecosystem of the marine mollusks. They would dive without
tanks to depths of nearly 65 feet while exploring the lagoons
and reefs spear fishing for dogtooth tuna and parrot fish.
These waters are the home to some of the most beautiful oysters
and pearls in the world. When it came time for college, Alec
and John went off in their own directions. John went to study
in Italy and became fluent in Italian while Alec decided to
develop a newly found pearl business and made a trip to where
the pearl experts reside in Japan. In the process he became
fluent in Japanese. To truly understand the cultured pearl,
it is essential that one understands the history.
After two years in Japan, John joined his friend and new
business partner Alec spending much of their time traveling
through Asia seeking out the best pearl farms for their new
found business which is now known worldwide as Aloha Pearls.
Even today, Alec and John are constantly seeking out new suppliers,
as the bar for quality and value keeps rising for pearl jewelry.
Today our collections include a vast gamma of akoya pearls,
freshwater pearls, black pearls, Tahitian pearls, and fashion
pearl jewelry.
Something To Think
About...
When you buy pearls, do you think of downtown Los Angeles
and the crowded freeways as “The Place” to buy
pearls? Neither do we. Our company is on the beautiful island
of Hawaii. At Aloha Pearls, this is our life, not just another
business. We believe that each pearl is a living work of art
from Malama ‘Aina (Mother Earth). You won't find us
grading pearls or matching the color from an office in downtown
“skyscraper land”. For we know, just like Alec's
wife (born not far from where Mikimoto was raised) that each
pearl has a voice, a color, and the morning sun in Hawaii
provides a way for the pearl to talk with you. Take the time
and investigate where your pearls are coming from. Keep some
meaning to your purchases and say with pride you got them
from the tropical island of Hawaii.
We challenge any retailer or wholesaler to provide
better quality pearl Jewelry at a better price!
