Born in 1975 in Papeete, Tahiti, Stephane-Heimana ODET began his lifelong relationship with French Polynesian and an enthusiasm for black cultured pearls.

After leaving French Polynesia during the 80’s, he moved to the South of France where he continued his formal education, achieving the French baccalaureat and his commercial technical diploma.

Deciding to focus on the world of the precious stones and build a career in jewellery, he gained his gemmological qualifications at the ING (French Gemmological Institute) in Paris and at the GIA (Gemmological Institute of America) in New York.

In 2002 he was employed by the world renowned and respected auction house Sotheby’s as a jewellery expert, working in London, Geneva and Paris.

Allowed to indulge his passion for fine jewellery at Sotheby’s and gain invaluable expertise, he decided to leave the auction world and create his own company ‘TANA-MANA’ specialising in Polynesian cultured pearls and mother-of-pearl.

Stephane-Heimana currently lives and works in the South of France and London.