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Purchasing New Zealand Blue Pearls/Pearl Shortage?

Crystal Nerd

Crystal Nerd

Rough_Rock
Joined
May 31, 2025
Messages
25
Hello Pearl Enthusiasts,

I don't know much about pearls since I am more of a colored gemstone kind of gal, but I like unique pearls like coin pearls or baroque pearls vs. classic white, round pearls.

I recently read this article in The Guardian on the supply of New Zealand blue pearls being threatened by global warming which is unfortunate since these pearls almost resemble opals.

Does anyone know where to purchase New Zealand blue pearls in the United States? I have not seen these pearls at local jewelry stores or local gem and mineral fairs.

Also, has anyone heard anything about a global pearl shortage driving up the prices of pearls in the US? Energy Artist Julia, a demi-fine jewelry vendor I used to purchase jewelry from, recently claimed in a newsletter that there is a global pearl shortage but I haven't found much information to verify that claim besides a few articles mentioning global warming affecting pearl production in general.
 
The Eyris Pearls website does not list any stockists in the USA:
www.bluepearls.com

Eyris Pearls — International Stockists of Blue Pearls

International Stockists
www.bluepearls.com www.bluepearls.com

As to a global shortage, yes there have indeed been articles about shortages.

In particular akoyas have been much affected since 2019. There is a virus killing the spat (baby oysters). The warming of the oceans is partly to blame as the virus thrives at warmer water temperatures (25ºC. and above). The akoya supply is much reduced, and is expected to be for years to come.

Australian south sea pearl prices have also increased a great deal.

The pandemic affected farms as movement of the Japanese technicians who implant the nuclei was restricted. Additionally, farms had difficulty meeting the needs of their farm employees because of widespread shipping delays and restrictions.

I posted a thread in 2023: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/agta-article-buckle-up—japanese-akoya-pearl-prices-have-skyrocketed-80-with-no-end-in-sight.278351/
The link to the article by Jennifer Heebner no longer works but there are links to other articles in the thread, which can still be read.

Bottom line: Retail prices are up-- way up-- because the prices at the pearl auctions are up. The vendors we buy from have to pay more to buy pearls to resell-- and the costs are perforce passed along to retail buyers.
 
Fakes are already widely sold! Beware of so-called "shell pearls" (actually imitations)-- there are many on eBay.
And Chinese freshwater pearls are widely misrepresented as various kinds of saltwater pearls.

On the other pearl forum (we're not allowed to name here or post a link) there are discussion threads about the increasing prices, as well as about the rise in demand for pearls in China which also drives prices higher. Do a search for "Will pearl prices keep rising in 2024?" and "Are pearl prices on the rise?" and you should find them.
 
There are other factors that affect pearl farms negatively. Hurricanes, for example, can decimate a farm. A few years ago I recall there was hurricane damage in Fiji to Justin Hunter's farm.

Then there are things like the use by Chinese fishermen of explosives to stun fish. Apart from damaging coral reefs, this also affects the oysters in pearl farms. I recall that Jewelmer is quite concerned about this.

Basically anything that damages the oceans is a threat to pearl farms.
 
pearlsngems said:
Fakes are already widely sold! Beware of so-called "shell pearls" (actually imitations)-- there are many on eBay.
And Chinese freshwater pearls are widely misrepresented as various kinds of saltwater pearls.

On the other pearl forum (we're not allowed to name here or post a link) there are discussion threads about the increasing prices, as well as about the rise in demand for pearls in China which also drives prices higher. Do a search for "Will pearl prices keep rising in 2024?" and "Are pearl prices on the rise?" and you should find them.
Click to expand...

Wow! That's good to know. Thanks so much for the info. Since I'm not confident in my ability to discern fake from real pearls yet, I only have a couple baroque pearl jewelry pieces purchased from a trusted vendor. I am reading a book called Pearls by Fred Ward which also mentions fake pearls and dyed pearls. I assume that most of the pearls I encounter are freshwater pearls unless they come from a trusted vendor or fine jewelry store.
 
pearlsngems said:
There are other factors that affect pearl farms negatively. Hurricanes, for example, can decimate a farm. A few years ago I recall there was hurricane damage in Fiji to Justin Hunter's farm.

Then there are things like the use by Chinese fishermen of explosives to stun fish. Apart from damaging coral reefs, this also affects the oysters in pearl farms. I recall that Jewelmer is quite concerned about this.

Basically anything that damages the oceans is a threat to pearl farms.
Click to expand...

That's good to know, thanks. It's sad to know that an increasing amount of factors in damage to oceans also threatens pearls as well as ocean wildlife. I feel for everyone who works in the pearl industry. It will be interesting to see how things play out with the availability and price of pearls.
 
pearlsngems said:
The Eyris Pearls website does not list any stockists in the USA:
www.bluepearls.com

Eyris Pearls — International Stockists of Blue Pearls

International Stockists
www.bluepearls.com www.bluepearls.com

As to a global shortage, yes there have indeed been articles about shortages.

In particular akoyas have been much affected since 2019. There is a virus killing the spat (baby oysters). The warming of the oceans is partly to blame as the virus thrives at warmer water temperatures (25ºC. and above). The akoya supply is much reduced, and is expected to be for years to come.

Australian south sea pearl prices have also increased a great deal.

The pandemic affected farms as movement of the Japanese technicians who implant the nuclei was restricted. Additionally, farms had difficulty meeting the needs of their farm employees because of widespread shipping delays and restrictions.

I posted a thread in 2023: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/agta-article-buckle-up—japanese-akoya-pearl-prices-have-skyrocketed-80-with-no-end-in-sight.278351/
The link to the article by Jennifer Heebner no longer works but there are links to other articles in the thread, which can still be read.

Bottom line: Retail prices are up-- way up-- because the prices at the pearl auctions are up. The vendors we buy from have to pay more to buy pearls to resell-- and the costs are perforce passed along to retail buyers.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your detailed response; it's very helpful! I had an opportunity to purchase some Akoya pearl jewelry a couple years ago at a decent, old-stock price, but I passed on that opportunity which I regret now. It's too bad that retail prices for pearls have increased so much due to the pandemic and global warming. It makes me wonder if fake pearls will become more widely sold/purchased?
 
Crystal Nerd said:
Hello Pearl Enthusiasts,

I don't know much about pearls since I am more of a colored gemstone kind of gal, but I like unique pearls like coin pearls or baroque pearls vs. classic white, round pearls.

I recently read this article in The Guardian on the supply of New Zealand blue pearls being threatened by global warming which is unfortunate since these pearls almost resemble opals.

Does anyone know where to purchase New Zealand blue pearls in the United States? I have not seen these pearls at local jewelry stores or local gem and mineral fairs.

Also, has anyone heard anything about a global pearl shortage driving up the prices of pearls in the US? Energy Artist Julia, a demi-fine jewelry vendor I used to purchase jewelry from, recently claimed in a newsletter that there is a global pearl shortage but I haven't found much information to verify that claim besides a few articles mentioning global warming affecting pearl production in general.
Click to expand...

i have wanted one of those paua pearls (What we call abolone) pearls since they were first 'invented' (for want of a better word)
the ones i see here (in NZ) are all sold at the overpriced touristy places but i dont get out much
i almost brought one back around the year 2k
they are very very beautiful
why dont you source a loose pearl from NZ and have your local bench set it
i just googled and im not sure if these people sell loose pearls but one one of the pearl farms must surley
arapawabluepearls.co.nz

Blue Pearl Jewellery & Accommodation NZ | Arapawa

Discover exquisite Blue Pearl jewellery and luxurious accommodation in NZ. Indulge in the beauty of nature and unique designs. Book your stay today.
arapawabluepearls.co.nz arapawabluepearls.co.nz

i never read the guardian so this is the first ive heard of a possible shortage of farmed paua pearls and global warming is in the news every day
i beleave what makes the NZ paua colours so good is the cold seas
 
Last edited:
I’d try reaching out to Kojima Pearl. And maybe Pearl Paradise? I’d think at minimum, one of them could source one for you.
 
Spring Azure said:
I’d try reaching out to Kojima Pearl. And maybe Pearl Paradise? I’d think at minimum, one of them could source one for you.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the referrals! I will check them out. :)
 
Crystal Nerd said:
Thanks for the referral. I'm looking at their website now; lots of pretties! Their pearl tour also looks so beautiful and idyllic. :kiss2:
Click to expand...

planning your next vacation - its nice here
especially the south island (where im from)
 
Crystal Nerd said:
Banana cake with paua meat? Sounds interesting! I'm intrigued...
Click to expand...

the web site has recepies, they do more than just farm paua - i had a wee look, the recepies have no paua meat :lol-2:
ive never really liked it - paua
my other half used to dive, he grinds up the meat and makes patties
i have had export grade that was cut into thin strips and marrinated in garlic, that was quite nice but it can be tough if not cooked right
banana cake is better !:lol-2:
 
Crystal Nerd said:
@Daisys and Diamonds, I just googled south island of New Zealand and it is gorgeous! You're so lucky to live in such a beautiful place. I see from your profile picture you are a cat lover like me, too. Nice to e-meet you! =)2
Click to expand...

very nice to meet you too Crystal Nerd
and thank you
although we live in the north island, the south will always be my home

and its hard to type because the Fluffa has taken up residence on me
 
I have 3 of these pearls and they are incredible. I ordered from this email address (given to me by Eyris when I emailed them to ask about purchasing from the US, since as noted above they don't have any US vendors): [email protected]

They're from NZ so not local, but they worked hard for me to find 3 pearls I loved that were super unique looking. Here's their pics. I don't have pics of mine right now as they aren't set, but I can try to take some pics soon.

20220123_131053.jpg
 
lovedogs said:
I have 3 of these pearls and they are incredible. I ordered from this email address (given to me by Eyris when I emailed them to ask about purchasing from the US, since as noted above they don't have any US vendors): [email protected]

They're from NZ so not local, but they worked hard for me to find 3 pearls I loved that were super unique looking. Here's their pics. I don't have pics of mine right now as they aren't set, but I can try to take some pics soon.

20220123_131053.jpg
Click to expand...

@lovedogs Wow, these are beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing the picture as well as the email address you ordered from Eyris. I love how each blue pearl is different and unique.
 
lovedogs said:
I have 3 of these pearls and they are incredible. I ordered from this email address (given to me by Eyris when I emailed them to ask about purchasing from the US, since as noted above they don't have any US vendors): [email protected]

They're from NZ so not local, but they worked hard for me to find 3 pearls I loved that were super unique looking. Here's their pics. I don't have pics of mine right now as they aren't set, but I can try to take some pics soon.

20220123_131053.jpg
Click to expand...

major swoon
i dont know why i dont see more locals wearing them, but they do tend to be very expenisve and get set into really ugly settings for the tourist market, but much more upmarket that the usual paua shell and green stone

i still dream about the ring i almost brought years ago -when main street jewellery was still largly made in NZ and paua pearls were very new

@Crystal Nerd the NZ dollar is very weak aganist the green back right now, i guess you might have to pay extra tax/ tarrif but you would not have to pay the NZ GST so that saves you 15% from what i would pay and honestly postal/shipping whatever is very reliable if a little bit slow

i think it was Garry (the jeweller not my other half) who said in small countries (population wise) like our's where every one knows every one if a bussiness is shady they dont stay in bussiness very long because we all talk to each other
 
Daisys and Diamonds said:
major swoon
i dont know why i dont see more locals wearing them, but they do tend to be very expenisve and get set into really ugly settings for the tourist market, but much more upmarket that the usual paua shell and green stone

i still dream about the ring i almost brought years ago -when main street jewellery was still largly made in NZ and paua pearls were very new

@Crystal Nerd the NZ dollar is very weak aganist the green back right now, i guess you might have to pay extra tax/ tarrif but you would not have to pay the NZ GST so that saves you 15% from what i would pay and honestly postal/shipping whatever is very reliable if a little bit slow

i think it was Garry (the jeweller not my other half) who said in small countries (population wise) like our's where every one knows every one if a bussiness is shady they dont stay in bussiness very long because we all talk to each other
Click to expand...

@Daisys and Diamonds, that's interesting that you don't see more locals wearing them vs. tourists. Maybe because these blue pearls are relatively new pearls since they are cultured pearls?

That's good to know that the NZ dollar is weak against the US dollar right now. Even so, the NZ Grade A pearls are expensive so I am waiting to see if they go on sale closer towards the holidays. Or if I'm lucky, maybe my husband will buy me one for Christmas! Fingers crossed.

I am trying to persuade my husband to go with me on a NZ blue pearl tour someday! Since he's a giant foodie who is obsessed with recipes and good food, I told him if we go we'll get to eat NZ paua abalone; but hopefully not in banana cake hahaha! ;-)
 
Crystal Nerd said:
@Daisys and Diamonds, that's interesting that you don't see more locals wearing them vs. tourists. Maybe because these blue pearls are relatively new pearls since they are cultured pearls?

That's good to know that the NZ dollar is weak against the US dollar right now. Even so, the NZ Grade A pearls are expensive so I am waiting to see if they go on sale closer towards the holidays. Or if I'm lucky, maybe my husband will buy me one for Christmas! Fingers crossed.

I am trying to persuade my husband to go with me on a NZ blue pearl tour someday! Since he's a giant foodie who is obsessed with recipes and good food, I told him if we go we'll get to eat NZ paua abalone; but hopefully not in banana cake hahaha! ;-)
Click to expand...

the low NZ dollar is good for our exporters,
we are an export nation,
and all well behaved tourists are always welcome
but the low kiwi dollar is horrible for us

jewellery is already very overpriced here

we pay international prices for a lot of things grown here that is exported like dairy products & meat and our dollar doesn't go very far, never mind anything imported

it was years ago we had some export quality paua that was in garlic cut thin
my sister knew a commercial diver who gave us some, he worked for an export company, it was so yummy and all prepaired to go straight in the pan

and yes i hope to never see paua in banana cake !!! :lol-2: although who knows what they will do next on mastercheif Australia;)2
 
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