JerseyPearl
Well-known member
Hi everyone, my son sent me this article to read and I thought it might be of interest to others as well. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2020/02/08/lifestyle/freshwater-pearl-industry/
JP, thanks to your son for this article! Five farms? Wow, I don't know what to say. Sounds like no actual production. Any authenticated Biwa Pearls on the market would probably be vintage material. (Pearls from China were co-mingled with Biwa Pearls.) We are fortunate to have access to the rare and exquisite Japanese Kasumi pearls through our Sarah Canizzaro at KojimaPearl.com. Sarah buys directly from the pearl farmers and has shared fascinating stories and photos over the years.
The Ethics section is "shaking my head" amazing. I am ALL for doing no harm, I am ALL for being vegan (wink wink Douglas et all).. AND... if you are going to attack anything in the jewelry industry and you mention pearls anywhere near the top.. I will always have something like this to say! (as per my instagram comment to Japan Times last February)
"BAHHHH" Pearls are the ONLY gem that is actually good for the environment. As demonstrated in Lake Biwa, you cannot grow pearls in polluted water, check #JapanKasumi or #Cortezpearls for examples of small pearl farms who actually care about the environment and the community. Jason if you want to clean up the jewelry industry ... PLEASE start with diamonds, and the unethical treatment of indentured miners and children!!
Gahhh, oysters and mollusks before impoverished people risking their lives so you can wear a diamond? "
We should also add CortezPearls to that courageous group of pearl farmers!