Massive price increase for pearl jewelry - the background
Massive price increase for pearl jewelry - the background
Blog Article
Recently, a massive increase in the price of pearl jewelry has been observed. With the cultivation of pearls and the improvement of breeding, large quantities of freshwater cultured pearls have been produced in recent years, but the quantity is constantly decreasing and innovations in breeding still need time. At the same time, prosperity is increasing in China and with it domestic demand.
Pearl jewelry from pearlsnation.com
In addition, the production of freshwater cultured pearls in China, the number one country of production, has been significantly reduced in recent years, which is also fueling the massive price increase for pearl jewelry. In this article, we explain the effects of the current situation on the prices of cultured pearls and why you still have a chance of buying acceptable pearl jewelry in 2023.
4 main factors behind the current price trend for freshwater cultured pearls
Reduction of cultivated areas for freshwater cultured pearls in China
Change in cultivation methods for more efficient utilization
Restricted labor force in the pearl industry due to Covid
Domestic demand in China
Reduction of freshwater cultured pearl farming areas in China
The cultivation of freshwater cultured pearls requires high water purity and the avoidance of bacteria and parasites. The areas for this type of farming have been greatly reduced in China, partly due to the necessary sustainability requirements. The massive reduction in areas means a slump from 1979 tons of pearl farming volume in 2014 to 400 tons in 2021.
Change in the breeding process for freshwater cultured pearls for more efficient use
A distinction is essentially made between 2 farming methods: the insertion of an artificial nucleus or the pure scoring of the mussel to produce nacre and form pearls. The process without an artificial nucleus takes significantly longer to grow. Until now, this process has also been certified as genuine pearls without an artificial core, such as the products from Gaura Pearls in Estonia, which can be found in the Perlenklassiker.de online store.
Due to the reduction in acreage, farmers are increasingly switching to the faster process with an artificial core in order to keep production volumes as high as possible and use the land as efficiently as possible. On a positive note, breeding methods are currently being further developed and, for example, the quality of pearls with artificial cores is being improved by drip feeding. These processes will enable higher production in China in the medium term.
Restricted workforce in the pearl industry due to Covid
The intensive measures to contain Covid in China have also led to a shortage of labor in pearl farming. Many workers have taken jobs in their hometowns due to the restrictions and the salary of the remaining workers has almost doubled. The volume produced and further processed across all output levels fell due to the Covid restrictions.
Rising domestic demand in China
Due to the previously strong development of the pearl industry, jewelry designers in China are now also increasingly working with pearls. Pearl jewelry is very popular among the young generation in China and is perceived as youthful and modern. Domestic demand for pearls in the Chinese market increased by 50% between 2021 and 2022.
Freshwater cultured pearls processed into jewelry by Gaura Pearls - Selection from Perlenklassiker.de
Pick up a bargain in 2023 - it's possible
Dealers still have stocks from previous months. Since the fall, purchase prices for freshwater cultured pearls in China have risen by 60%. As a result, significant price increases are unfortunately unavoidable. But - pearl jewelry is always classic and highly popular among all generations. Pearl necklaces and pearl bracelets are often inherited and can continue to be worn if they have been well cared for. We therefore recommend that you continue to buy them.
Take a look at Perlenklassiker.de, the largest online store for pearl jewelry pearlsnation.com in Europe.