On the afternoon of April 10, the Seminar on Development Trends of the Pearl Category in the Chinese Market and the Launch of GUILD's "PRE+" Premium Report, hosted by GUILD Gem Laboratories, concluded successfully at the Pearl Museum in Zhuji, Zhejiang, known as the "Pearl Capital".
The event brought together global jewelry industry leaders and enterprise representatives. GUILD Gem Laboratories President Ruby and Director of the Pearl Department, Lin Moqing, attended in person. They engaged in in-depth discussions on core topics such as the upgrade path of the Chinese pearl industry, innovation in the quality grading system, and international market expansion. The GUILD "PRE+" Premium Report was officially launched, injecting new momentum into the value enhancement of the pearl category.
How to Highlight the Global Value of Chinese Freshwater Pearls?
Opening Remarks by Ruby, President of GUILD Gem Laboratories
At the outset of the event, Ruby, President of GUILD Gem Laboratories, delivered the opening speech titled "How to Highlight the Global Value of Chinese Freshwater Pearls?". Liu Lihong (Ruby), President of GUILD Gem Laboratories, emphasized that while freshwater pearls account for over 70% of global production, the scarcity and market value of top-quality pearls have not yet been fully unlocked. Citing Gemfields auction data as an example, she pointed out the critical role of grading systems in enhancing consumer confidence and market scale. GUILD Laboratories hopes that through scientific grading, consumers can clearly recognize the quality and value of freshwater pearls.
Ruby shared the strong global market demand for Chinese freshwater pearls, noting that even in Guatemala, with which China has not yet established diplomatic relations, many Chinese freshwater pearls were observed, and US jewelers continue to seek cooperation despite tariff pressures. She called on the industry to join hands and, through standardized grading, promote the upgrade of freshwater pearls towards "quality-based segmentation", ensuring that high-quality pearls are truly "seen and recognized".
Sharing Session on Development Trends of the Pearl Category in the Chinese Market
Lin Moqing, Director of the Pearl Department, GUILD Gem Laboratories
Based on testing samples and market research data from the past three years, Lin Moqing, Director of the Pearl Department at GUILD Gem Laboratories, shared insights on three major themes: an overview of the pearl industry and price trends, analysis of testing data, and information disclosure regarding new enhancement treatments.
She pointed out that in 2023, the growth of China's pearl market was remarkable, reaching 46%. Among them, Zhuji, as a core production hub, made outstanding contributions, with the Shanxihu region maintaining an average annual growth rate of 35% over the past five years. Currently, the saltwater pearl grading system has completed three system upgrades, while the freshwater pearl grading is in the second stage—having achieved segmentation between "High Quality" and "Top Quality"—but overall grading precision still needs improvement. GUILD is systematically enhancing the refinement of freshwater pearl grading by establishing more comprehensive grading standards.
Regarding market dynamics in 2024, Director Lin shared that the market share of high-quality freshwater pearls has increased significantly. Among them, "Aurora" has become the most popular commercial name, while "Sunrise" has emerged with the fastest growth rate. Additionally, in the "Special Selection" rating launched by GUILD (requiring multiple indicators to reach Very Good), the proportion of freshwater pearls jumped from less than 10% in 2023 to 54%. This trend indicates that market demand for high-quality freshwater pearls is growing rapidly.
"We hope that through the improvement of the grading system, consumers can more clearly recognize the unique value of high-quality pearls, thereby enhancing market confidence and promoting the healthy development of the industry."
Global Launch of the "PRE+" Premium Report
As the highlight of the event, GUILD Laboratories officially released the upgraded version of the "PRE+" Premium Report. Director Lin provided a detailed interpretation of the upgrade highlights of the new version report and its significance for the market.
Lin Moqing introduced that the "PRE+" Premium Report not only covers all standard testing items but also includes high-definition images of the pearl samples. In the special evaluation section, it details the rarity of the pearl's overall quality—including luster, size, surface quality, and color—within its category, further highlighting the pearl's value. The "PRE+" is not just a gemological report; it also helps merchants and consumers further screen for high-quality gems. We look forward to this report redefining the scarcity and artistic value of Chinese pearls in the global market.
Industry Honors and the Dawn of a New Chapter for Pearls
At the conclusion of the event, GUILD Laboratories awarded special prizes to the 2024 Excellent Pearl Brands. Meanwhile, GUILD announced a formal partnership with the 2025 World Pearl Congress and the launch of the Pearl Category for the 4th "Aurora's Glory" International Jewelry Competition. This aims to further promote the international development of the Chinese pearl industry and assist Chinese pearls in rising on the global stage.
