Pearl Perspectives

Welcome, we are passionate about pearls and committed to helping you increase your share of this market.

Education

It is our belief an enhanced knowledge of the cultured pearl product category results in greater sales and an increased passion for pearls.

Bahrain

Persian Gulf Pearls
Natural pearls, also called ‘Oriental pearls’.

For centuries, Bahrain was the world’s main marketplace for natural pearls, and up until the 1930's the pearling industry was Bahrain’s main source of income. Because the country is an archipelago, Bahrain is surrounded by oyster banks and once ran half the pearl fishing fleets in the Gulf. More

The pearls of the Persian Gulf were naturally created and collected by breath-holding divers. The secret to the special luster of Gulf pearls probably derived from the unique mixture of sweet and salt water around the island. Unfortunately, the natural pearl industry of the Persian Gulf ended abruptly in the early 1930's with the discovery of large deposits of oil.(8) Those who once dove for pearls sought prosperity in the economic boom ushered in by the oil industry. The water pollution resulting from spilled oil and indiscriminate over-fishing of oysters essentially ruined the once pristine pearl producing waters of the Gulf. Today, pearl diving is practiced only as a hobby. More

Hyderabad

The Pearl City Of India

The city of Hyderabad is famous for its minarets and its pearl bazaar. Hyderabad was a princely state and a very rich one too! The royal patronage ensured flourishing of arts, crafts and cuisine. The affluent lifestyle beckoned many a craftsman from distant parts of the world, especially the Arabian Gulf where the rare original pearls are found in abundance. Hence, Hyderabad became the one-stop-destination for pearls. There is an entire street which only comprises of pearl shops named - Patther Gatti. more

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.

Indian nucleus developed

A significant development has been taken place in India by Ajai Kumar Sonkar to discover an Indian freshwater mussel {for the production of up to 10-mm size of nuclei} as well as a marine shell {for larger sizes of nuclei}, those are found absolutely perfect for the first grade nuclei. Using the same Ajai has been able to produce excellent quality of nuclei with gloss polishing. Beautiful pearls in various sizes have been farmed using these nuclei with "P. fucata", "P. margaritifera" and other species of pearl oyster/mussel with high efficiency Indian nucleus

Trendy Pearls

From SSPC website

This year seems to herald the return of the white pearl, after visiting the European trade show in Basel, Switzerland and the JCK show held in Las Vegas, the dominant feeling is that sales are good for pearls this year. There has, however, been a dramatic change in emphasis towards more exciting pearl designs rather than the traditional pearl strands. This may well be influenced by the fact that pearls, both real and faux, have been seen on fashion pages and catwalks and show every sign of remaining there. This coupled with celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Michelle Pfeiffer seen wearing cultured white South Sea pearl jewellery, means that the consumer is focusing on the pearl as a "must have purchase."

The consumer will always aspire to the ultimate white South Sea pearl strand, the classic but most beautiful of all jewellery. A beautiful South Sea pearl strand is a true gift for a lifetime, an heirloom that can be handed down through generations- a jewel forever. However, the jewellery designers of today are showing there are more to pearl designs than just these classic strands.

Top European designers and their American counterparts are all featuring pearls in a new light this year. Also the keshi pearl is enjoying renewed popularity, mixed with semi-precious stones to create lighter, younger jewellery designs. European designers in particular are mixing pearls with bright gemstones, turquoise and coral to give the jewellery a brighter, more fashionable feel. Pearls, themselves a gift of nature, are being used as the central focus of nature inspired pieces such as flowers, animals and sea creatures. They are being mixed with diamonds and precious stones for a more sophisticated feel, but even here the result is more design orientated pieces. Rings are more sculptural in design; necklaces have a more fluid feel and are longer in length. In short, pearls are shrugging off their more classic reputation and revealing a sexy new image.