PEARL REPORT | 10 | 2022-2023 COVER STORY At Jewelmer, certain environmental shifts related to the greater fluctuation of water temperature, ocean acidification and changes in the plankton profile are impacting production. Climate change affects survival rates of certain batches of oysters as well as overall growth rate. On the whole, challenges brought about by global warming are making it more difficult to produce pearls. “These present both obstacles and opportunities – the main challenge is Jewelmer will have a lower volume to distribute globally, but with lower biomass density comes the potential to achieve higher-quality output, improving the average quality of our production,” explained Branellec. Digital strategy At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 when virtually all in-person interactions were prohibited and travel restrictions were at their strictest, Jewelmer relied on technology to continuously engage with its clients and do business. It launched a series of online auctions – a first for the company. The events were well-received by the trade. Branellec commented, “Through the continued trust and faith in Jewelmer’s sorting, grading, and classification systems, the maison was humbled by the successful results of the virtual auctions. Online events will be a continuing feature of the business alongside the in-person auctions.” Other digital initiatives include services that offer immersive user-friendly experiences on its e-commerce platforms such as virtual jewellery try-ons. In 2020, Jewelmer launched its US-based e-commerce website, and the company is aiming to expand this service to Japan and China soon. A strong and engaging social media presence is another crucial component of Jewelmer’s digital strategy. The company has more than 76,000 followers on Instagram and around 54,000 on Facebook, at press time. Social media platforms serve as avenues to foster virtual connections, noted Jewelmer. Sustainability leader Sustainability has always been at the forefront of Jewelmer’s operations. Its pearl farms in Palawan are testament to its long-term advocacy of marine life and environmental conservation. The farms are located at the centre of the Coral Triangle, which is home to the world’s most diverse marine and coral life. “As pearls can only survive in very pristine environments, they are great indicators of healthy and thriving marine ecosystems,” shared Branellec. “The local communities pledge to safeguard the coastal environment and are cared for through Save Palawan Seas Foundation (SPSF), a non-profit organisation.” Established in 2006 by the founders of Jewelmer, SPSF is aimed at supporting the conservation of marine resources and providing income to its beneficiaries through livelihood projects. Recently, the foundation aided in relief drives for victims of Typhoon Odette in the Philippines in 2021, which heavily damaged coastal areas, resulting in entire households without shelter or access to clean water. Through generous donations, SPSF was able to send relief goods to around 2,000 households. The foundation also recently organised book drives to sponsor students and schools that lack learning materials, community ‘Les Classiques’ earrings and pendant; and ‘Signature’ pendant ‘Les Classiques’耳环和吊坠; ‘Signature’吊坠
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjAxOTU=