Pearl farming has the potential to offer unique opportunities in terms of livelihoods and marine conservation in the Pacific region.
What we do
This research project is examining how the marine cultured pearl supply chain and consumers could further support these positive environmental and socio-economic benefits and promote responsible pearl farming.
How we do it
We are working in collaboration with pearl farmers and other partners in Switzerland, Japan, the US and the Pacific region. This website aims to inform about different pearl types, ecological and socio-economic dimensions of pearl farming and to share resources and findings on these themes.
Highlights
Discover pearl farming
Types of cultured pearls
Black pearls, White & Golden South Sea pearls, Akoya pearls, Freshwater Pearls: Cultured pearls come in a wide array of colours, shapes and sizes. They are formed in different bivalve species.
Coral reefs & pearl farming
Cultured pearl farms are often located in zones with sensitive coral reef ecosystems. Coral reefs play an important role in the life cycle of pearl oysters.
Pearl farming worlwide
Since the emergence of cultured pearl farming in Japan in the early decades of the 20th century a number of countries have developed cultured pearl industries.
You might also be interested by: Sustainability case studies for pearl farming
Events
For a larger discussion on Sustainable Pearls. View our events and get involved.
In the press
They talk about Sustainable Pearls and the state of the pearl industry
The project
Learn more about the research project SustainablePearls.org