Zhan Weijian, chairman and general manager of Grace Pearl (HK) Co Ltd and vice president of the Gems & Jewelry Trade Association of China (GAC), is renowned for his role in modernising China’s thriving pearl industry.

Guided by his vision to transform Grace Pearl into a world-class supplier of high-quality pearls, he has successfully steered the company to becoming an industry leader in Zhuji.

Under Zhan’s forward-thinking leadership, Grace Pearl launched the Edison pearl in 2011, a large-sized nucleated freshwater pearl that often measures 11mm up to 20mm in diameter. The unique product is patented and IP-protected.

“Edison pearls are emblematic of the growing scientific and technological sophistication of Chinese pearl-making,” Zhan said.

The pearl was developed using an ultra-modern cultivating process and comes in various colours, including vivid purple, pink, red, champagne and metallic tones, in addition to white and gold. Its nacre thickness can reach anywhere from 5mm to 12mm after 36 months of farming, compared with the 1.2mm to 7mm range of pearls harvested after 18 months. Edison pearls have since gained popularity in China and abroad.

The "Edison" brand was valued at RMB9.35 billion (around US$1.3 billion) as of 2022, according to Zhan. Edison pearl was likewise recognised as one of the most influential pearl brands and even earned front-page coverage on The New York Times. Zhan was also named Entrepreneur of the Year for Science and Technology Innovation in the Chinese jewellery industry in 2015.

For more information about the “Extraordinary 40” Awards, visit jwawards.com.

As part of its 40^th anniversary content programme, JNA is casting the spotlight on the “Extraordinary 40” Awardees with special online features covering the highlights of their careers and the valuable lessons they have learned along the way. Click here to view the “Meet the Extraordinary 40” series from May to September, with new profiles published every week.