Graceful and charming, Japanese akoya pearl is renowned for its unmatched lustre and rich colours spanning from white, silver to pink and light green. Behind the worldwide popularity of the cultured pearl is the arduous effort made by the Japan Pearl Exporters’ Association (JPEA) in promoting Japanese akoya pearl as a national brand. At the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair this year, JPEA’s president Yoshihiro Shimizu updated Hong Kong Jewellery on the latest developments in the akoya pearl market.
It is always a common scene to witness an overwhelming traffic at the Japanese pearl zones at trade fairs even when other sections are slow-moving. Yoshihiro Shimizu attributes the success to the confidence in Japanese akoya pearls. “We have various offerings, from very high-end pearls to commercial goods in very nice quality. Customers buy from us, make profits, and then come back. They have confidence in buying from us,” he said.
Apart from the regular loose pearl section, JPEA also organised the Japan Pearl Jewellery Pavilion at the June Hong Kong fair with 16 exhibitors, following the debut launch of the pavilion at the HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show earlier in March where housed 27 suppliers. Yoshihiro said around 95 percent of overseas buyers came from China. “Despite the vibrant spirit felt at the fairground, buying power from China was a bit softened because the buyers had already spent a lot at the pearl auctions held before the show started,” he observed.
Production of Japanese akoya pearls is steady in recent years, Yoshihiro said. “Price has been stable over the past four years, with a five-percent annual increase. People have confidence in it,” he added.
When commenting on the market in China for Japanese akoya pearls, Yoshihiro said the demand was steady with US$1,000 per strand as the most popular range. “Akoya necklace is kind of a door opener for its more pricy counterparts such as South Sea pearls. If akoya necklace sells well, South Sea pearls will follow,” he said.
The local market in Japan, nevertheless, is challenging for akoya pearls. “It is mainly due to the aging and downsizing population, together with the increasing consumption tax to 10 percent by next year. Jewellery consumption has been down,” he said.
“Luckily, demand for akoya pearls will be steady due to the China market. I think prices will be steady in future too. The thing is we have to maintain the quality of the pearl. We have a bright future,” Yoshihiro said with confidence. (Photo courtesy: JPEA)
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