FOCUS 焦点 PEARL REPORT | 24 | 2024-2025 jewellery in the Chinese market, buoyed by Tahitian pearls’ extensive range of colours, versatility and trendy appeal – attributes that are more in line with the preferences of more discerning consumers. Seeking growth Zhuji, located in Zhejiang Province, accounts for 70 per cent of total freshwater pearl production worldwide. In 2023, annual sales of pearls in Zhuji exceeded RMB 50 billion (around US$6.89 billion), which represented 80 per cent of China’s total pearl sales, government data showed. Industry stakeholders participating in the 2024 Shanxiahu World Pearl Congress Roundtable Conference in Zhuji on May 21, 2024, noted that China’s freshwater pearl industry is poised for further growth, supported by innovative sales models such as livestreaming, digitalisation of supply chains and pearl farming innovations. He Tieyuan, secretary general of Professional Association of Pearls Zhejiang, said Zhuji aims to further strengthen its position as the “Pearl Capital of China,” encompassing freshwater pearl cultivation, processing, manufacturing, wholesale, research and development, and retail sales. “To further propel the growth of the pearl industry in China, it is crucial to adopt advanced scientific pearl farming methods. This includes utilising genetic breeding technology to improve pearl quality, particularly colour and lustre. Additionally, the industry must improve processing techniques and introduce innovative designs to add value to pearls. Furthermore, improvements in e-commerce and livestreaming will boost sales,” said He. Ruan Tiejun, chairman of Zhejiang Ruan’s Pearl Holding Co Ltd, said leading e-commerce platforms such as Taobao, Alibaba and Douyin have established their livestreaming bases in the China Pearls and Jewellery International City in Zhuji. “These digital channels have introduced various campaigns to promote pearl jewellery with encouraging sales figures,” he added. China’s freshwater pearl sector must also expand to international markets, which present dazzling business opportunities, according to He. Two categories of freshwater pearls were standouts – small-sized pearls and irregularshaped pearls. Irregular-shaped pearls cater to Western buyers’ demand for unique materials. To bolster the global visibility and international presence of Chinese freshwater pearls, Professional Association of Pearls Zhejiang collaborated with jewellery exhibition organisers to arrange Chinese pearl companies’ participation in local and overseas trade shows. In 2024, they covered exhibitions across Hong Kong, Kunming, Beijing, Shenzhen and Japan, shared He. 中国的珍珠业在经历了2023年的高峰后，在2024年上 半年因市场需求减弱而整体增长放缓。然而，消费者 对高品质珍珠的需求日益上升，为行业前景带来了曙光。 中国珍珠公司指，内地珍珠市场难免受全球经济逆风的 影响。由于去年需求旺盛，珍珠价格高企，买家在2024年的 态度转趋谨慎。 浙江欧诗漫集团珠宝有限公司总经理沈荣根表示：“珍 珠市场在去年是特别的火爆，升势一直持续到接近年底。市 场起跌是一个循环，那肯定是会降温的。＂ 沈荣根指自2023年第四季度以来，销售额有所下降。及 后，在2024年5月母亲节期间，珍珠首饰的销量下跌；而散装 珍珠的价格与去年达到的峰值相比则已回软。 沈荣根续说：“始终珍珠市场在近年已经成长起来了，并 获得了广泛的认可，就算生意是降温也不会到太糟糕的地 步，所谓‘瘦死的骆驼比马大’。” 需求稳健 中国珠宝玉石首饰行业协会发布《2023年中国珠宝行业 发展报告》的数据显示，中国珍珠首饰零售额在2023年上 升约46%至350亿元人民币（约48.5亿美元），占全国珠 宝首饰整体销售额的4%。 珍珠珠宝首饰公司缘美真珠董事长叶笑波表 示，明星效应和直播销售持续带动消费者对珍 珠的渴求。 叶笑波说：“我们的销售额在2024年保 持平稳，整体销售额约80%来自直播。人 们对珍珠有一定的需求。消费者通过社 交媒体平台了解珍珠，然后通过直 播购买，这对他们来说很方便。” 各类珍珠均有市场，特别 是淡水珍珠。淡水珍珠专家 浙江名皇珠宝有限公司 董事长周鼎项表示，内 地市场对淡水珍珠 的需求大幅飙升， 主要因为中国 Tahitian pearl jewellery by Beijing Lihui Jewelry Co Ltd 北京骊辉珠宝有限公司的大溪地珠首饰
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