PERSPECTIVE 精辟视野 PEARL REPORT | 40 | 2023-2024 Autore: 匠心创未来 Australian pearl specialist Autore is at the heart of rising demand for white South Sea pearls, having established a stellar reputation in pearl farming, manufacturing and fine jewellery design. 澳大利亚珍珠专家Autore在珍珠养殖、制造和高级珠宝设计方面均建立了良好 的声誉，满足南洋白珠不断增长的需求。 Blazing trails in business and craftsmanship White South Sea pearls across all qualities and shapes are enjoying tremendous success in the global trade as demand continues to soar. Australia-based Autore, a renowned name in the South Sea pearl sector, can attest to this sparkling development. According to company CEO Rosario Autore, there has been a substantial jump in sales of South Sea pearls, whites in particular, in the last two years. Product choices have become diversified, too. “We are now seeing an increased demand across unconventional shapes, which were not as popular in the past,” noted Rosario. “These include unusual drops, baroques, circles and semi-drops. Meanwhile, rounds, near-rounds, ovals and high buttons still command a premium price.” Asia is Autore’s major market, especially for pearl auctions and finished jewellery as well as pearl by-products such as the Pinctada Maxima shell and pearl meat. Strength and leadership Over the last 10 years, Autore has actively expanded its operations by acquiring a quota holder and lease site in East Arnhem, Australia and establishing two more sites in Indonesia. It also maintains the lead in research and development, which was instrumental in helping Autore produce exceptional-quality pearls that are coveted for their superior colour and lustre. Rosario explained that through this everimproving technical expertise, live shell specimens on its farms have tripled in number over the last four years. The company is also seeing a higher percentage of top-quality white pearls being harvested from both its Indonesian and Australian farms. “Growing our production is of paramount importance as it is at the core of our business,” noted Rosario. “Unfortunately, Covid disruptions prevented us from fishing and seeding oysters in 2022, so there will be reduced production from Australia in 2024.” The company continues to implement a hybrid auction model that combines a traditional format with online viewing – an innovative measure adopted by the company during the pandemic. “Auction results have been extremely satisfying,” shared Rosario. “Clearance rates are above 97 to 98 per cent. Our
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