Colored Stones

Save E-mail Print Most Popular RSS Reprints

Cultured pearls in the 21st century: A free market and new looks

March 21, 2008

Similar Stories | Topics

The pearl industry has progressed from the production of traditional white Japanese akoya pearls in the early twentieth century to today’s cultured pearls of various shades from Australia and French Polynesia, according to the International Colored Gemstone Association.

Various factors contributed to the loss of control by the Japanese including: increased marketing of South Sea pearls from Australia and black pearls from French Polynesia; the production of less expensive, fine-quality Chinese freshwater cultured pearls; and the spread of an infectious disease throughout Japanese crops.

The free market that emerged was not without its problems. Large amounts of Chinese goods depressed prices and the French Polynesians—who began selling pearls under the label Tahitian—drastically increased production but lost control of quality.

As top designers’ work with colored pearls gained attention, the multi-hued items sparked a fashion revolution. Pearl producers increased spending on branding and advertising, which caused large retailers like Tiffany & Co. to take notice.
Save E-mail Print Most Popular RSS Reprints
Post a Comment
* Required field
* Author:
* Comment:
 

More Colored Stones

Richard Hughes
Ruby, sapphire expert Hughes wins Bonanno award

Richard W. Hughes, known for his adventure-laden travelogues, his writings on undisclosed gemstone treatments and as the author of Ruby and Sapphire, has won the 2010 Antonio C. Bonanno Award For Excellence in Gemology, the Accredited Gemologists Association has announced. Read More

'Vivid Pink' up for sale at Christie's
Price is right for pearls this holiday
More Colored Stones

More Like This

New York says 'G'Day' to Australia's pink diamonds
January 28, 2009 | National Jeweler Network
Rio Tinto pink tender underway
August 25, 2008 | National Jeweler Network
Rio Tinto pink tender underway
August 25, 2008 | National Jeweler Network
Opals are clam-shaped, fiery at NYC exhibit
March 10, 2009 | National Jeweler Network
Rio Tinto to tender blue diamonds
March 05, 2009 | National Jeweler Network

Design Portfolio

advertisement

Video

Small multi video player located on right rail of NJN site

advertisement

Sponsored by:

Retailer Toolbar

America's Best Jewelers
Join the ONLY Social Network for Jewelry Retailers. Get access to expert content, peer best practices, and more.
Start networking today.
Newsletters
Newsletters
Topic-specific newsletters that deliver the latest news on jewelry, diamonds, wholesale operations and high-volume buying directly to your in-box.
Reader Connect
ReaderConnect
Supplier information presented with every article, bringing you related, actionable content on every topic.
Jewelry Yellow Pages
Yellow Pages
A comprehensive listing of associations, organizations, suppliers and services for the jewelry industry.
Classifieds
Classifieds
A comprehensive listing of job postings, product offerings and other materials for sale for the jewelry industry.
NJN Customer Connect
CustomerConnect
The most sophisticated suite of marketing services available for jewelry retailers, from Internet tools to data marketing.

advertisement