As the global conversation around sustainable luxury deepens, pearls are emerging as the jewellery world’s most nature-aligned gem. The latest report from the CIBJO Pearl Commission, ahead of the upcoming CIBJO Congress in Paris, showcases how advancing scientific research is redefining the industry’s environmental narrative.
Under the guidance of Kenneth Scarratt, the Commission emphasises that science is not only building greater transparency but also revealing how pearl farming can actively benefit ocean health. Studies from Japan and Australia demonstrate that pearl oysters contribute positively to marine ecosystems — filtering excess nutrients, reducing pollution risks, and maintaining water balance — all while leaving a minimal carbon footprint.
The newly expanded Pearl Guide 2025 reflects this forward momentum. Now stretching across 267 pages, it delves into the fascinating world of pearl-bearing species, profiling 43 saltwater bivalves, 23 univalves, and 27 freshwater varieties. Designed as an open-access resource, it bridges scientific knowledge and jewellery craftsmanship, celebrating pearls in all their natural diversity.
As the industry looks to the future, pearls are poised to symbolise more than elegance — they represent a harmonious balance between nature, science, and sustainable creation.