Letters from the President

Pearl sales and prices continue to spike at rates few of us have ever witnessed in our lifetimes. Pearls are seen everywhere in the press, on celebrities, and on everyday citizens. As a dealer, it's a great time to be in business, but replacing items that sell—and at the same prices—is another huge challenge.  For the past year, dealers have faced price increases from farmers, particularly Japanese Akoya Pearl farmers, every few months. This is because of the yearslong decline in the number of Japanese pearl farmers and the spread of disease among some oyster populations in farms. Illness can...

Pearl Demand Is Strong—So Are Prices

As I step into my new role as president of the Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA), I want to thank my predecessor, Aziz Basalely of Eliko Pearl, for the phenomenal job he did as board president for four years. His hard work and dedication were a boon for pearls, with effects that will be long lasting. I’m hoping to build on what he accomplished during his term with the help of our seasoned board of directors, all pearl experts and leaders in the industry.

President's Letter with Aziz Basalely: Farewell & Welcome The past four years of my term as president have flown by, and it’s time to welcome a fresh face to this post. My friend and colleague Anil Maloo of Baggins Pearls, now steps into this role, and I’m certain he’ll do an excellent job.