FOCUS 焦点 PEARL REPORT | 23 | 2024-2025 Ring by Zhejiang Ming Huang Jewellery Co Ltd with the company’s branded ‘Bai sheng li’ white freshwater pearl 浙江名皇珠宝有限公司的戒指，镶有 该公司生产的“白笙丽”白色淡水珠 “Sales remain stable in 2024, with 80 per cent of overall sales being generated from livestreaming,” Ye explained. “There is solid demand for pearls. Consumers learn about pearls through social media platforms and then make purchases through livestreaming sessions, which is convenient for them.” The market witnessed steady demand for pearls in all categories, particularly freshwater pearls. According to Zhou DingXiang, chairman of freshwater pearl specialist Zhejiang Ming Huang Jewellery Co Ltd, the significant growth in domestic demand for freshwater pearls can be attributed to vast improvements in the quality of freshwater pearls sold in the China market as well as the higher prices of saltwater pearls, which are a deterrent to buyers. “Quality attributes like the lustre and roundness of our fine freshwater pearls are comparable to those of saltwater pearls, but at a much more affordable price point. This makes freshwater pearls a preferred choice among valueconscious consumers. So-called baby pearls of 3mm to 4mm in size are favoured by younger buyers,” shared Zhou. Ming Huang Jewellery has over 30 years of experience in freshwater pearl cultivation and manufacturing as well as wholesaling and retailing a wide range of loose pearls and commercial- to fine-quality pearl jewellery. Pearl technology The quality of freshwater pearls in China has significantly improved over the years, thanks to advancements in cultivation methods and pearl farming. According to Zhou of Ming Huang Jewellery, an increasing number of freshwater pearls cultivated in China are now nucleated, which occurs when a pearl nucleus is implanted inside a pearl oyster to stimulate nacre secretion. By comparison, non-nucleated pearls are entirely composed of nacre, minus bead implants. Nucleated pearls, like saltwater pearls, tend to be rounder, whiter and more lustrous. Ming Huang Jewellery leverages innovative beading techniques to cultivate high-quality nucleated freshwater pearl varieties such as “Bai sheng li” and “Zhi ling long,” to name a few. Zhou said his company is now capable of producing 5mm to 8mm white freshwater pearls, called Bai sheng li pearls, without artificial colour enhancement. Zhi ling long pearls, meanwhile, come in a wide colour spectrum – from light to rich purple, and even metallic hues. “It is known as the domestic version of Tahitian pearls,” said Zhou. Premium pieces Pearl companies also pointed to a shift towards meticulously crafted premium products in more sophisticated designs, driven by younger consumers with a higher purchasing power. “Consumers today have a deeper understanding of pearls and heightened appreciation of the artistry behind gemstone setting. They gravitate towards high-quality pieces that showcase the unique allure of these gems,” said Wang Lin, owner of Beijing Lihui Jewelry Co Ltd. Listed among the top 10 high-end bespoke pearl jewellery companies on Taobao, Lihui Jewelry Co Ltd’s jewellery brand Oldking Jewels specialises in fine pearl jewellery designs. Meanwhile, Tian Renyu, founder and designer of Heidi Jewelry, noted that consumers now prioritise the quality of pearls. “To cater to this demand, we launched our premium freshwater pearl jewellery collection, Dreamy Rainbow, which showcases the natural lustre of pearls in classic and simple designs,” shared Renyu. Ye of Y&M Pearls and Zhou of Ming Huang Jewellery also observed a significant demand for Tahitian pearl
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