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.
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.
The Latest
Consumers today are looking for a little escape, and jewelry is the perfect avenue to provide it, presenters at the Vicenzaoro show said.
The “Extraordinary Lovers” collection features engagement rings with enamel scenes inspired by art and mythology.
BIPOC designers can apply for a spot in the mentorship program’s third cohort until Oct. 8.
Growing your Instagram following organically is more important than ever in today's technological environment.
The luxury giant recently completed its acquisition of the Italian jewelry brand.
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship provides tuition help to aspiring bench jewelers.
Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the best jewelry looks from the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA.
Lilian Raji offers advice to a reader frustrated with the current state of their company’s website.
The actress shared her inspiration for the collection, insight into her personal style, and which jewels President Barbie would wear.
The giant gem originated from Karowe, the same mine that yielded a 2,492-carat rough diamond in late August.
Monishkumar Kirankumar Doshi Shah admitted to dodging customs duties on more than $13.5 million of jewelry imported into the U.S.
The new boutique is located on Madison Avenue.
Its next event will take place in D.C. on Sept. 17 and in New York City on Oct. 29.
The artist opted for big yellow diamond earrings, a vintage chain, and white metals at the annual MTV awards show.
The Swiss watchmaker has created limited-edition timepieces for all 32 National Football League teams.
This carved jasper and yellow-diamond-eyed cat brooch from 1962 is the perfect accessory for Friday the 13th.
The jewelry giant said it expects to see an uptick in engagements in the second half of the year.
Sponsored by Gemological Institute of America
The brand is celebrating its upcoming 55th anniversary with modern designs that pay tribute to its history.
He, and other newly elected board members, will begin their terms in February.
Those interested can apply online now through Nov. 15.
Its “Her-ology” report highlights trends in the women’s luxury watch market, from top brands to movement preferences.
The smoked heirloom tomato mezcal martini, only available at Adalina in Chicago, is served with a 9-carat diamond tennis necklace.
Scheduled for Sept. 25, the online-only event will be open to non-AGS members this year, for a fee.
Customers in more than 150 countries can now shop at the jewelry retailer’s online store.
The organization, which was started by the International Colored Gemstone Association, is now a 501(c)(3).