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

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.


Interior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.

During a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

The free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.

The feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.

The online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.

The opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.

The “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.

Robert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.

The announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.

Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.

The historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.

LVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.

The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”

The organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.

An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.

The collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.

Mari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.

These earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.

Two experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.

Kentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.