Pearl Guide

New York, NY – Feb. 9, 2021. The Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA) has announced the U.S. and international winners of its 11th Annual International Pearl Design Competition (IPDC).

On Saturday, Feb. 6, judges Jean Francois Bibet, workshop and production director at Cartier; and Patricia Faber, co-owner of Aaron Faber Gallery in Manhattan (whose store will show and offer for sale the winning entries and the finalists of Faber’s choice); inspected 19 live U.S. division finalist...

By C. Denis George Abstract by Anna Kerrig

Historical Aspects on the Early Discovery of the Pearl Cultivating Technique

Japanese scientists, Nishikawa and Mise are typically recognized for discovering the technology that led to cultivating spherical pearls. C. Denis George was an Australian enthusiast who challenged the credit given to the Japanese for this discovery. George argues that Nishikawa and Mise's step-father were first exposed to successful pearl cultivation at Thursday Island...

In the 26th Home Gemmology webinar supported by CIBJO - The World Jewellery Confederation and co-hosted by Edward Johnson, the last session before summer break, we will continue our session on cultured pearls that only covered saltwater production; now, with the help of pearl expert, educator and good friend Jeremy Shepherd, founder of the coveted Pearls As One online course, we'll dive into the fascinating world of freshwater cultured pearls.

This is a unique opportunity to learn from...

The FTC recently amended its regulations allowing lab-grown diamonds to be described as 'Cultured.'

This is a critical issue facing the pearl and jewelry industry at large. Jeremy Shepherd addresses it in this webinar with the Women's Jewelry Association.

Cultured Diamonds Vs. Cultured Pearls

Carolyn Ehret operates Ehret Design Gallery on eBay, a favorite of our members, and myself! If you find yourself having to wait for a car repair or a delayed appointment, I can practically guarantee that the time will fly by while you look at the fun items on her site. Of course, looking can be dangerous to your pocketbook. This is also a great place to find a few gems to add to a necklace or earrings--or just to source beautiful and unusual pearls.

I had Carolyn add gold spacer beads and...

Dear Pearl Friends,

If you will be in Southern California on April 27th, you will want to attend the 16th Annual Sinkankas Symposium on Pearls! It's an all-day event at the Carlsbad campus of the Gemological Institute of America.



The Sinkankas Symposium honors John Sinkankas, a legendary gemologist and scholar, with an annual Symposium on a different gem topic each year. Now Pearls get their turn in the spotlight.

Speakers include:


Robert Weldon, Host
Douglas McLaurin-Moreno – Baja...