Premium-quality white and golden South Sea pearls from Myanmar are the main attractions at Rio Pearl’s booth at Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong (JGA) 2025.

According to Rio Pearl Director Terence Lee, business is likely to sustain momentum in 2025, thanks to strong demand recovery across premium product categories.

More favourable market fundamentals are driving pearl sales globally, and this is reflected in auctions across Southeast Asia and Japan, with demand for and prices of high-quality white and golden pearls remaining steady or increasing.

The golden pearl, for instance, strikes a chord with customers, explained Lee, adding that fashion and consumer preferences significantly influence sales of golden pearls, making them a dynamic product in the luxury market.

“What excites us is strong demand — we sold every single harvest of golden South Sea pearls within the quarter,” shared Lee. “This is encouraging and shows growing appreciation for their rarity, beauty and timeless elegance.”

The gradual return of international buyers and collectors looking for “natural luxury,” alongside improved attendance at live auctions and trade events all contribute to growth.

Responding to improving market sentiment and preference for premium pearls, Rio Pearl is expanding its operations in the Mergui Archipelagos of Myanmar, allowing it to boost golden and white South Sea pearl cultivation.

Rio Pearl unveiled Myanmar’s first top-quality white South Sea pearls last year, gaining significant trade attention. Lee stated, “We are setting ambitious goals for our harvest, aiming to achieve a 50 per cent yield of white pearls in our annual production.”

The company also wants to increase its annual yield by an additional 20 per cent from the previous year and strive for a balanced harvest colour ratio of 50 per cent gold and 50 per cent white pearls.