GradingSep 16, 2024
Gübelin Opens Lab in BangkokGradingSep 17, 2024
GIA To Include Traceability Info on Some Cultured Pearl Reports
The lab will include reference numbers on reports for cultured pearls that contain bead nuclei embedded with an RFID tag.
A South Sea cultured pearl containing an RFID tag, an RFID reader, and a GIA Cultured Pearl Classification Report describing the RFID reference number
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America has announced it will include traceability information on reports for cultured pearls that contain a radio frequency identification (RFID) digital tag.
Fukui Shell Nucleus Factory, a Hong Kong-based pearl nucleus manufacturer and supplier, uses technology called Metakaku, to embed a wireless RFID tag into a pearl’s nucleus.
The tag allows its origin and movement along the supply chain to be tracked, it said.
The supplier recently submitted a batch of bead-cultured akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian pearls, each embedded with a tag, to GIA, which was able to use an RFID reader to retrieve each pearl’s unique reference number.
GIA will now include the reference number in a report comment on its Cultured Pearl Classification Reports for pearls that contain the tag.
The number uniquely identifies each pearl, the lab said, matching it with its quality attributes based on the seven criteria GIA uses to classify and describe pearl quality.
The GIA 7 Pearl Value Factors are size, shape, color, nacre, luster, surface and matching.
Related stories will be right here …
Fukui Shell Nucleus Factory, a Hong Kong-based pearl nucleus manufacturer and supplier, uses technology called Metakaku, to embed a wireless RFID tag into a pearl’s nucleus.
The tag allows its origin and movement along the supply chain to be tracked, it said.
The supplier recently submitted a batch of bead-cultured akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian pearls, each embedded with a tag, to GIA, which was able to use an RFID reader to retrieve each pearl’s unique reference number.
GIA will now include the reference number in a report comment on its Cultured Pearl Classification Reports for pearls that contain the tag.
The number uniquely identifies each pearl, the lab said, matching it with its quality attributes based on the seven criteria GIA uses to classify and describe pearl quality.
The GIA 7 Pearl Value Factors are size, shape, color, nacre, luster, surface and matching.
Although tracing pearls from farm to market remains challenging, said GIA, sustainability is an increasingly important topic, and this new information is advancing tracing capability and source transparency.
“As sustainability becomes increasingly important to consumers, this technology can play a vital role in telling the complete story of these gems,” said Tom Moses, GIA executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer.
“The integration of RFID details with GIA Cultured Pearl Reports represents a significant step forward in efforts to enhance traceability and transparency in the pearl industry.”
Fukui Shell Nucleus Factory, which has been developing its tracking technology for the past decade, said it is expanding Metakaku to major pearl producers from French Polynesia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Japan, and China.
“Stories have the power to create meaningful connections with pearls, inspiring us to seek deeper understanding and build stronger bonds with these precious gems. Through Metakaku, we hope to provide value and new perspectives that encourage exploration and inspire greater opportunities for every single pearl that is harvested,” said David Wong, innovator of Metakaku.
Since 1949, GIA has been a leader in the identification and classification of natural and cultured pearls, according to its website.
The lab has contributed to revising the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s pearl guidelines for the jewelry industry and is responsible for working with major pearl companies globally to develop comprehensive standards for describing pearls.
More on Grading
The Latest
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
