Letters from the President — Cultured Pearl Association of America

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...

New York City. March 9, 2020. Greetings! Welcome to a new year. Your CPAA board worked hard in 2019 to maximize opportunities for our category and members. The CPAA’s financial position is solid thanks to growing membership and benefactors including the Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia (TPAFP), Jewelmer, the Japan Pearl Export Association, Paspaley Pearls, and Atlas. To date, we have 46 Affiliate-level members and 26 Foundation-level members.  Photo by Jack Deutsch for CPAA. Clothing stylist Amit Gajwani. Hair and makeup by Bob Huitron of Art & Style NYC. Model Ella Petrushko for Next. Images are copyright protected and may not be reproduced. On ears: stud earrings in...