| Just a guess:
Freshwater pearls are getting more beautiful. They also offer more color choices, both natural and dyed.
A strand of high quality white pearls, probably the "standard," is more affordable now than 10 years ago.
Folks who want an alternative look used to wear glass beads, braids of materials, etc., now they also wear baroque pearls.
Jewelry designers, both high end brand name ones and those who sell at art co-op and arts and crafts fair (my preferred venue to shop) like them. There are large range of quality, size, colors allowing people to be creative. Most people do end up buying ready made jewelry so jewelry designers have a large influence on the market.
Pernula |