With fewer than three weeks to go to the opening of the 2015 CIBJO Congress in Salvador, Brazil, on May 4, 2015, the sixth of the CIBJO commissions’ Special Reports has been released. Prepared by the CIBJO Pearl Commission, headed by Kenneth Scarratt, the report outlines the agenda of the commission at the gathering, including updating the Pearl Blue Book and considering the creation of a harmonized pearl grading system.
Mr. Scarratt quotes the introduction to the Pearl Blue Book, which notes: “The standard/rules is nonjudgmental and the definitions and clause contained therein are formatted and worded only to ensure that each pearl bought or sold is done so with clarity and honesty. The stability of the market place depends upon the use of the proper nomenclature and the declaration of all known facts that ensure a fully informed purchase or sale.”
The lack of a single, uniform pearl grading system is a challenge to the pearl market. It was explained by the CIBJO Pearl Commission Vice President, Jeanne Lecourt. “Rapid globalization of the pearl culturing industry during 1970s saw various pearls beginning to be cultured in many countries using various species of the pearl-oyster,” she stated. “Treatment techniques were also transferred from Japan to overseas countries. This has been favourable for the consumers, as they now enjoy a wide selection of various types of cultured pearls. However, if they are not supplied with adequate information on the kind of the pearls, and their quality and treatments, they will inevitably be confused which may result in a distrust of cultured pearls.”
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