Laurie’s piece, Ta’aroa’s Tears, recently took First PlacePrize in her category, in the design competition co-sponsored by The Islands of Tahiti, Air Tahiti Nui, Jewelry Arts Inc. and Black Market Pearls. This unique multi-media work, was inspired by the story of how the tears of Ta’aroa, the Polynesian god of creation, formed the waters around the beautiful islands. Materials included polymer clay, rough diamonds, gold and of course, a lovely Tahitian pearl.