FOCUS 焦点 PEARL REPORT | 16 | 2024-2025 In early 2024, Rio Pearl introduced top-quality white South Sea pearls from its farms in the Mergui Archipelagos of Myanmar. This was a first for a country that predominantly produces golden South Sea pearls. Myanmar traditionally grows over 99 per cent golden South Sea pearls, so the emergence of these premium white South Sea pearls, which the company named M White South Sea, in Myanmar is truly revolutionary. A horizon of opportunities The pearl sector is poised for further growth, largely fuelled by solid consumer demand and sustained innovations. New pearl markets, meanwhile, are also a source of optimism. Bracher of Paspaley noted, “On a macro view, we see the emergence of a strong market in India as the biggest market-changing opportunity. Like China, India has a cultural affinity with pearls. India’s economic growth could unleash a wave of new demand to complement the existing markets.” Branellec, for his part, identified several key factors that could drive growth in the loose pearl and pearl jewellery business in the coming years. China, for instance, has displayed growing interest in South Sea pearls. “Our Chinese customers’ preferences are flourishing and maturing, and it is an honour to see their appreciation for the Philippine golden South Sea pearl,” shared Branellec. “The golden pearl symbolises prosperity and good fortune as depicted in Chinese artworks of dragons holding golden pearls in their mouths or claws.” Jewelmer’s sales are also steadily growing in Europe and South America, with notable increases in demand and appreciation for South Sea pearls in countries such as Brazil, specifically among young people. The sustainability narrative is gaining steam in most business categories around the world, but it has always taken precedence in the pearl sector. According to James Brown of Pearls of Australia, pearl farmers rely on Mother Nature, so there is a natural incentive for them to look after the planet and its people. “Provenance is fundamental to who we are and what we do – it is not only the lineage of our pearls, but the cultural and family heritage that travel with them. We are totally committed to full transparency in the pearl value chain through dependable and economical protocols that measure the impact of pearl farming in a social and environmental context,” he noted. Brown is a third-generation pearler involved in Pinctada maxima and Akoya pearl production and connected ecotourism in Australia. The support of industry stakeholders is also indispensable. Tom Moses, executive vice president and chief laboratory officer at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), said GIA aids pilot projects dedicated to educating and helping the pearling industry measure and manage their social and environmental impact. For instance, the outcome of such studies revealed promising impact mitigation and market development opportunities throughout the pearl value chain. Chunhui Zhou, head of GIA Global Pearl Identification Division, also unveiled ongoing efforts to define the parameters of a scale for “nacre continuity.” The aim is to classify the continuity of the concentric nacre layer deposition around a pearl nucleus. “This scale will provide more specificity and complete our pearl classification system in the near future,” noted Zhou. “Nacre continuity reflects the harmonious relationship between humans and nature needed to produce pearls.” - by Pierre Fallourd Pearls and sustainability Akoya pearl farm in Japan 日本Akoya珍珠养殖场
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