Upbeat prospects for pearls

Pearl industry veteran Michael Sze, managing director of Hong Kong Heng Mei Group Ltd, is witnessing evolving dynamics in the trade – from shifting consumer preferences to breakthroughs in production.

Founded in 1993, Hong Kong Heng Mei Group Ltd is an established freshwater and saltwater pearl wholesaler. The company likewise offers an extensive range of finished pearl jewellery to international markets.

According to Sze, who is also president of the Hong Kong Pearl Association, global demand for pearls regained strong momentum in 2025. Tahitian and golden South Sea pearls performed particularly well, while freshwater pearls continued their steady rise, bolstered by improvements in quality and traceability.

“Technological advancements continued to reshape the sector in recent years. China’s highly automated processing – from colour grading to drilling – greatly enhanced efficiency and quality consistency,” explained Sze.

He added that beaded freshwater pearls with nuclei, now produced using advanced technology, are expected to drive demand moving forward.

Steady demand

Sze expects a “stable, measured” market in 2026 amid a cautious global buying sentiment and softer demand from mainland China.

Bright spots, however, could support the industry. Sustainability within the pearl sector is emerging as a key growth driver, particularly in North America and Europe, while Hong Kong’s pearl trade is buoyed by international fairs and economic recovery in the Greater Bay Area.

Sze also observed that pearls are effectively reaching a broader audience, driven by diminishing gender distinctions in fashion. “More men are embracing pearls as part of their everyday outfit. Pearl jewellery is becoming a true gender-neutral fashion statement,” he remarked.

Consumer preferences are shifting too. “Unlike in the past when buyers would opt for ostentatious pieces, younger consumers now prefer minimalistic, versatile designs, while high-end clients are drawn to bespoke creations that tell a story,” Sze explained. “These emerging demand trends bode well for the future of the pearl industry.”

News by @JNA