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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
