Hong Kong pearl specialists are expecting solid demand for commercial-grade and value-for-money saltwater pearls in 2025.

According to Jackie Leung, owner of J Ocean Pearl Ltd, buyers have increasingly been shifting to medium-quality white and golden South Sea pearls from high-quality items over the last 12 months. Moving the fastest are South Sea pearls in 10mm to 13mm in diameter, he added. Meanwhile, demand for Tahitian pearls remains steady. 

Leung said global economic uncertainties are pushing buyers to look for more affordable alternatives. There is also a greater variety of products in the market for buyers to choose from.  

For its part, Luen Hing Pearls & Jewellery Ltd is also focusing on commercial-grade items alongside premium-quality pearls at the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show.

Both pearl companies said saltwater pearl prices, which peaked in 2023, have stabilised over the past year. “Prices of saltwater pearls have adjusted back to reasonable levels over the past 12 months,” said Luen Hing Pearls’ Marketing Director Annie Ng.  

She highlighted strong demand from China and the US markets, with Japan also showing strong interest. Ng is expecting a stable pearl market in 2025, noting that promotions through media channels is crucial to drive business growth.