This article first appeared in the Pearl Report 2024-2025.

Hong Kong-based Rio Pearl has consistently demonstrated its expertise in pearl farming technology, sustainability and product innovation over the years.

It recently made waves in the pearl trade with the launch of two revolutionary products: Rainbow Gold South Sea pearls in 2023 and M White South Sea, Myanmar’s first top-quality white South Sea pearls, in 2024. Response has been encouraging as these continue to gain buyer attention in key pearl markets.

Displaying mesmerising shades of red, pink and green, Rainbow Gold pearls debuted at the company’s Hong Kong and China auctions in 2023. M White South Sea, meanwhile, was unveiled in early 2024. Both pearl products are produced in Rio Pearl’s farms off the pristine waters of Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar.

According to Rio Pearl Director Jonathan Cheng, more than 95 per cent of the company’s Rainbow Gold and M White South Sea pearls were snapped up at auctions held in January, March and June 2024.

What this demonstrates is buyers’ growing penchant for innovative products that stand out in the market.

“Rainbow Gold is considered a premium pearl and is favoured in various countries,” explained Cheng. “M White South Sea pearls are preferred by customers seeking an exquisite and dedicated lustre.”

Rio Pearl’s research and development efforts are currently focused on upgrading the quality and appearance of these pearls as well as identifying methods to bolster production at its farms in Myanmar.

It is also conducting studies to enhance the pearls’ optimal colour to better resonate with evolving market preferences. The Myanmar white, for instance, is still in its infancy so there is ample room for further development, noted Cheng.

Sustainable pearling

The company is also at the forefront of sustainability initiatives in the pearl sector. In particular, Rio Pearl is implementing policies on effective communications, resource allocation and pollution prevention, among others.

“To ensure that we minimise any adverse environmental impact caused by our pearl farming activities in Myanmar, we regularly commission a third-party consultant to generate Environmental Impact Assessment reports,” explained Cheng.

From these reports, an Environmental Management Plan, which involves regular monitoring of data parameters such as turbidity, pH levels, temperature and other important factors, is developed.

This robust monitoring system enables Rio Pearl to manage pearl culturing and harvesting processes effectively as well as employ efficient waste management practices. In cases where an unusual data is observed or generated, Rio Pearl quickly initiates an action plan to identify the source of the issue and carry out solutions.

Infrastructure at its Myanmar pearl farms is also being enhanced. This includes greater access to electricity and development of the main road to connect the village with key facilities.

Additionally, smaller roads and tube wells have been built. As part of efforts to foster sustainability, Rio Pearl has also put in place measures to reserve rainwater for future use, particularly during the rainy seasons.

“We prioritise our partnership with nature and are dedicated to environmental responsibility and sustainability, which are essential for the pearl farming industry,” commented Cheng.

Promising future

Rio Pearl has made significant headways in all aspects of its pearl business. Over the years, it has fortified its pearl farming operations by way of critical investments in technology and new techniques while its auction business continues to grow from strength to strength.

Rio Pearl’s auctions in Hong Kong and China continue to serve as the primary avenue to sell its pearl harvests, revealed Cheng.

Pearls play a fundamental role in the global gem and jewellery business. Meanwhile, the production of high-quality and visually stunning pearls ensures a steady stream of customers, he continued.

Innovation and technology, which have become pervasive global trends, continue to influence nearly every aspect of modern businesses, pearl companies included. In today’s swiftly evolving landscape, companies are compelled to fully embrace these trends to remain competitive.

“Technology’s impact on business operations is profound. The pearl farming industry is no exception, as technological advancements improve farming techniques and enhance data analytics capabilities,” explained Cheng.

Technology is also playing an increasingly important role in pearl auctions as it helps elevate the customer experience, enabling Rio Pearl to determine consumer preferences, improve marketing strategies and effectively present the pearls to a global customer base.

Pearls play a fundamental role in the global jewellery business. The production of high-quality and visually stunning pearls ensures a steady stream of customers.