Non-traditional pearl varieties that push the envelope of versatility and design are expected to turn heads at this year’s edition of Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong (JGA). 

Conch pearls, for instance, will surely fascinate buyers opting for ultra-feminine pearls with an extraordinary flame structure and colour. Ocean Flame Ltd specialises in high-quality conch pearls from the Caribbean.

Considered among the rarest natural gems in the world, the conch pearl remains highly sought after by traders and jewellery collectors. 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. 

Ocean Flame also offers other natural pearls such as melo, quahog and clam, among a rich variety of pearl products.

Conch pearl expert Kashikey of Japan is also displaying its captivating selection of loose conch pearls and conch pearl jewellery at JGA, which is scheduled for June 20 to 23 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

A conch pearl’s pink colour – further enhanced by a flame structure that gives it a smooth, silk-like appearance – makes it highly desirable among jewellery designers, manufacturers and end-consumers, according to the company. 

Meanwhile, Yee On Pearls & Jewellery Co, is highlighting mabe pearls as one of its diverse product offerings at the fair. The company manufactures and exports coloured gemstones, and freshwater, mabe and Tahitian pearls. “We are showcasing a wide range of white mabe pearls in different sizes of 9mm to 18mm at JGA,” the company noted. 

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