Market demand for high-quality conch pearls remained strong amid the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to their exceptional allure, according to conch pearl specialist Ocean Flame. While the industry initially suffered a setback, consumer interest in the pink pearl has since recovered, company owner Bertrand Ternat revealed. “We have developed different ways of doing business and now the market has bounced back, even surpassing pre-Covid levels,” he continued. Ocean Flame’s largest markets are Asia, Europe and the US.

In response to uncertainties, the company undertook innovative measures to ensure continued supply of conch pearls and conch pearl jewellery in the market. Without physical trade fairs to touch base with international clients, Ocean Flame boosted its logistics capabilities to support its business.

Considered among the rarest natural gems in the world, conch pearls remain highly sought after by traders and jewellery collectors who appreciate their beauty and investment value. “The lockdowns pushed the end-customer to invest in gems that are unique and not easily replaceable. Natural pearls, conch pearls especially, meet this demand,” noted Ternat.

Ocean Flame earlier developed a colour and flame grading system for conch pearls, which has been embraced by the market since its introduction. The system classifies conch pearls into categories based on colour intensity.

“Flame structure is the fingerprint of the pearls. It gives them their uniqueness,” remarked Ternat. “During the lockdown, we were able to communicate effectively with partners and clients all over the world using a real colour chart.”

The oval-shaped gem is naturally formed by fibrous crystals inside a rare sea snail called conch. It is non-nacreous, meaning it is not made of nacre or mother-of-pearl. Only one out of 10,000 to 15,000 shells produce a conch pearl and only 10 per cent of these are of gem quality. Hunting for the pearl can be challenging. “One has to remember that conch pearls are natural, not cultured. They come directly from the sea and their colour cannot be altered or enhanced,” said Ternat.

Demand for conch pearls has been steady over the last 10 years and Ocean Flame expects the market to continue its upward trajectory, thanks to conch pearls’ distinctive colour and overall appeal, which set them apart from other goods in the market.