Welcome, we are passionate about pearls and committed to helping you increase your share of this market.
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Report From Zhanjiang
Zhanjiang is actually one of China's most important pearl production centers. Its output of Akoya cultured pearls makes up two thirds of the country's total saltwater production. So we set out on a trip to one their farms. Being surrounded by sea on three sides, Zhanjiang is blessed with rich marine resources. It has more than 30 island; the total length of coastline is some 1,500 kilometers. Zhanjiang is situated to the south of the Tropic of Cancer and is typical of a tropical climate map
We have always traveled the world in search of the finest pearls for
you, our
customers. Some trips are quite enjoyable and some are not. As
Chinese akoya production has increased and the quality has improved,
we decided to inspect the farms of some of the farmers we have been
working with in Hong Kong. Combine an offshore typhoon with a
challenging combination of planes, boats, and automobiles and you
have an experience that will never be forgotten. We look forward to
returning (like child
birth--I guess).
more
A note on the tragedy in The Bay of Bengal Like all of humanity, our hearts go out to those affected by the earthquake and tsunamis. We were particularly concerned about our Thai friends and the Myanmar (Burma) pearl farms we spoke of in Pearl Perspectives III. More We are glad to report we have spoken to all of our friends and everyone is fine. We contacted Mr. Nakamura, as to the Burmese pearl farms, and he reported that the farms he is familiar with are fine; they only lost two rafts. As for the other farms, I cannot see how they were not slammed, located just north of the Thai border. Myanmar is a closed military government and we may never know the whole story. More
I found a report in Yon Bay, next to the border of Phuket, that most of the businesses along the beach have sustained substantial losses, especially the pearl farm at the west end of the beach. Indonesia Initial reports from Indonesia indicate that the tsunami disaster of December 26, 2004 has not had an impact on the pearl farming areas in Indonesia. The Indonesian Cultured Pearl Association or ASBUMI said none of the farms belonging to ASBUMI members were affected. A member of the Board of Supervisors of ASBUMI and veteran pearl farmer, Norman Analau in Molluccas, Indonesia said he is grateful that the pearl industry is safe. Fortunately, Indonesia's pearl farms are all located in the eastern islands of Indonesia, he said. The tsunami disaster affected the western part of Sumatra where there are no pearl farms. In fact, the only pearl farm that had been in the southern part of Sumatra was re-located to the eastern part of Indonesia due to the severe political unrest in the area. Marketing manager of PT Mutiara Nusa Bunga, Yunita Hardiani, said: "We are so grateful that our pearl industry is safe and that the tsunami disaster has not affected the pearl farms. We expect that the disaster will not have an impact on the international pearl market." Mr Analau said a worry for the industry is the general breakdown in the law-and-order situation in Indonesia, which does not foster a good business climate and is difficult to attract investment. Indonesian pearl farms were severely affected by earthquakes and "tsunamis" in 1992, and oysters became ill and too weak to stand seeding operation. More However, these islands are far southwest of the Aceh province and were not affected by this disaster. map
We have personally donated to the relief agencies and hope everyone does.
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Market Trends This section looks at trends both in the market and in the world of pearls.
In this issue, we are going to look at some of the more unique pearling operations in the world.
Report on the Japanese Pearl Harvest Now that most of the pearl auctions are over in Japan, the one thing that stands out is the scarcity and poor quality of 6-6.5mm akoya cultured pearls. It seems that intense heat in the months of July, August, and September was the main culprit that caused a massive mortality of the oysters. There are fewer 6-6.5mm akoya pearls being cultivated because pearls are sold by weight and 6-6.5mm pearls weigh less per piece than larger sizes. Therefore, due to the smaller amount of oysters nucleated in this size, they took a much bigger hit than other sizes. In speaking with our suppliers, we learned that there was a party held on Jan 4th for younger members of the pearl industry. At this meeting, 6-6.5mm pearls were the main topic of discussion. Everyone agreed that there would be a price increase in this size regardless of the quality. The mood at the party was not happy as it usually was; it was somber and worrisome. We are going to Japan toward the end of January and we will have a more concrete assessment of this situation and will report our findings to you.
Abalone
Abalone are a gentle sea snail, with a large central muscular foot with an amazingly colorful and lustrous shell. There are over one hundred different species of abalone throughout the worlds oceans. The native New Zealand species is called Paua. Paua or Haliotis iris are only found in the cool clear waters close to the New Zealand coastline; it is these creatures which possess the greatest range of colors and iridescence of any abalone shell. While not commercially viable, this site offers a unique insight into one of pearling's most unusual products.
Gold comes in a rainbow of colors, each one of them providing an opportunity to please a customer who wants something different. Rose, yellow, and white gold create a bold and contemporary look to freshen up your pearl selection! more
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Education It is our belief an enhanced knowledge of the cultured pearl product category results in greater sales and an increased passion for pearls.
Is a Pearl Natural or Cultured? One of the only ways to determine whether a pearl is natural or cultured short of cutting it in half is though the use of X-Ray.
A Guide to the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines on Selling Pearls
If you advertise or sell jewelry, the claims you make about the products must be accurate. The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC's) Jewelry Guides offer specific information on how to describe jewelry products truthfully and non-deceptively and how to disclose material information to consumers.
A Guide to the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines on Selling Pearls
Akoya Pearl Shell
We are making some Akoya shells available, for you to show to your sales staff and customers. I think the most interesting fact you will find is how small an Akoya shell is. You will better understand why it is so difficult to get 9mm plus pearls from these shells.
Click here for your own Akoya shell! (Supplies are limited! First come, first served)
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Special Buys
(Click on the picture below for more options.)
Golden Akoya Pearls are: Gem Quality Natural Color Extremely Rare
These golden Akoya pearls are cultured in Japan and the color is natural. There has been no treatment to enhance the color, making these rare, extraordinary gems with their beautiful golden overtones and fabulous luster one of the truly great creations of nature. Golden color Akoya pearls tend to have thicker nacre than their more pale counter parts. Click here for more
Oops Sometimes we have to much of a good thing... As we begin a new year we have analyzed our inventories and listed items for fast clearance these are first quality products. They are current product and afford a great opportunity to save! Web Specials Rings Pendants Bracelets Earrings Necklaces Pins All
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Best of the Web
Please visit us at these upcoming shows
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Coming up in the next newsletter: Report from Vicenza Italy We would love to hear your comments about this newsletter (click here) |
