FOCUS 焦点 PEARL REPORT | 15 | 2025-2026 Creating a truly sustainable society requires approaches that restore and revitalise the natural world. This shift from ‘net zero’ (reducing harm) to ‘net positive’ (actively improving conditions) creates new opportunities for cultured pearls. – George Kakuda, president of the Japan Pearl Exporters’ Association Pearl’s auction results. The fastest-moving pearls include top-tier, clean and round white and golden South Sea pearls, fuelled by demand from premium buyers. Lee also noticed growing appetite for modern shapes such as baroque and Keshi pearls. Amid headwinds in the luxury goods market, the pearl sector resorted to adaptability and strategic marketing to support growth. Branellec remarked that e-commerce and digital platforms, social media in particular, are vital to reaching a wider client base and introducing younger buyers to Jewelmer and the world of South Sea pearls. Meanwhile, prices of South Sea, Tahitian and Akoya pearls have since stabilised, transitioning from a period of extraordinary volatility in 2022 and 2023 due to robust Chinese demand to a steadier environment in 2025. According to George Kakuda, president of the Japan Pearl Exporters’ Association (JPEA), other markets, the US included, could start buying pearls again as prices become more accessible. He also cited changes in consumer preferences, with smaller, more affordable but top-quality Japanese Akoya pearls gaining in popularity. Kakuda explained, “Consumers refuse to compromise on quality, so they opt for smaller sizes or different shapes, which do not affect quality.” Even South Sea and Tahitian pearl traders are seeing rising demand for smaller but fine-quality pearls. For South Sea pearls, “baby sizes” of 8mm by 10mm in diameter bearing superb colour and lustre are popular while pearls in semi-round, short-oval or button shapes are gradually gaining a spot in the limelight, shared Kakuda. Gems of ingenuity Pearl jewellery designs are becoming more inventive with a focus on the gem’s versatile attributes. European pearl specialist Gellner, for instance, is proving that pearls are anything but traditional. The company’s Wave Ring in platinum adorned with an intense icy blue Marutea pearl and 68 brilliant-cut diamonds won Fine Jewelry of the Year at the Inhorgenta Award 2025, reinforcing the pearl’s modern luxury status. Gellner also unveiled Salt ‘N Pepper, a new collection of Tahitian and Akoya pearls in darker, more vivid hues interspersed with grey-white diamonds. “The collection was well received,” explained Jörg Gellner, founder of his eponymous brand. “We focused on platinum in 2025, which was a sound choice, especially with high gold prices.” The pearl sector remained resilient in the first half of 2025 despite global economic uncertainties, Jörg said. The company, which serves a predominantly European clientele, identified a clear pricing sweet spot. “Buyers are okay with spending €10,000 (around US$11,700) at retail,” he revealed. “But beyond that, they will think twice. Notably, there is increased activity in the €5,000 to €10,000 (approximately US$5,800 to US$11,700) range, suggesting consumers still desire luxury but are making more calculated purchasing decisions.” Innovative designs are gaining traction while classic pearl strands – which continue to see solid demand – are no longer the driving force behind sales. Major luxury houses
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