| Genetic modification? The Chinese have created hybrids, of course. But I do not believe that is genetic modification. There was no genetic modification to change the colors of the pearls - those colors have always been there. Neither was there genetic modification to produce round pearls. This was done by utilizing the H. cumingi instead of the C. plicata, lowering the number of implants, and changing the insertion method by adding a "twist".
I think that statement is nothing more than an attack on the Chinese pearl industry. The Chinese scare every pearl producing segment of the industry. And that is completely understandable. But to disparage the Chinese for "genetic modification" is wrong. Why not disparage the South Sea pearl industry or the akoya industry? They practice selective breeding as well. How else does Atlas produces white South Sea in a region dominated by gold lip?
Adding the comment that the Chinese have been able to "produce 70 pearls with a single oyster" tells me that Naveau is really just blowing smoke and does not have any real knowledge on the Chinese pearl industry.
1. The Chinese rarely culture more than 32 pearls per shell. The average is closer to 24. The number 70 is a gross exaggeration.
2. The words 'freshwater' and 'oyster' do not go together. |