Sustainable jewellery practices are more desirable than ever before – and for good reason.
As our planet becomes more vulnerable to environmental change, investing in sustainable practices that are less environmentally damaging is even more important.
Conscious consumers and pearl jewellers are increasingly looking at the sustainability practices of pearl farmers across the world. As highly popular gems, pearls can make a hugely sustainable investment. They support both local pearl farming communities and the marine environments where they’re grown.
What is a sustainable investment?
Sustainable investments aim to generate the same long-term financial returns as non-sustainable investments, but with one key difference. Unlike other investments, a sustainable investment must consider the social and environmental factors and their impact.
How are pearls a sustainable investment?
We already know that pearl jewellery makes a good investment.
But how are pearls a sustainable investment?
At Coleman Douglas Pearls, we take pride in the natural origins of our pearls. We know our farmers by name and have stringent ethical standards that these farmers must meet. We won’t source our pearls from anyone who breaches these standards.
Each of our pearl jewellery designs is therefore consciously produced and sustainably sourced. In other words, they’re an excellent sustainable investment.
Three principles for sustainable pearl jewellery
At Coleman Douglas Pearls, we have three main principles for ensuring the sustainability of our pearls.
Living gems
Unlike any other gem, pearls are entirely organic.
Whether it’s natural or cultured, a pearl forms inside an oyster or a mussel. These molluscs can live in either freshwater or saltwater, growing beneath the water’s surface in fragile ecosystems.
As such, pearls are highly vulnerable to pollution. If an ecosystem is less than healthy, or if the mollusc inhabits dirty water, it will affect the quality of the pearl.
A sustainably sourced pearl is therefore more likely to come from healthier ecosystems. This fact informs our second principle.
Ecosystem regeneration
The best pearl farmers are active environmentalists. They work to ensure their pearls grow in clean surroundings.
Research also shows that pearl farming can positively improve the water quality of a local ecosystem, with positive overall impacts for a region’s coral reef conservation.
Pearl oysters support the health of their overall ecosystem by filtering nitrogen from seawater, carbon dioxide and phosphorus. They serve as effective carbon sinks, contributing to the enhancement of water quality in their surrounding environment.
Pearl farming also supports sustainable marine conservation whilst also fostering economic development in local communities.
For example, in communities in French Polynesia and the Cook Islands, cultured pearl farming has improved the biodiversity of this vital region.
Equally, in Micronesia, pearl farming is also reducing the community’s reliance on artisanal reef fishing. By reducing their dependency on fishing, pearl farming has attracted oceanic life to create healthier ecosystems, as well as supporting coral reef protection and wider conservation initiatives.
Efforts across this area have therefore also improved coastal livelihoods, providing a source of sustainable economic development for pearl farming communities.
The social and economic sustainability of pearls informs our third principle.
Supporting local communities
At Coleman Douglas Pearls, we only source gems from the most conscious farmers. We have longstanding relationships with our pearl suppliers, and consistently ensure that they operate according to the most sustainable practices.
By reducing a community’s dependence on traditional fishing, pearl farming helps to reduce the risk of overfishing.
It also diversifies the local economy, affording more job opportunities and an alternative income strand to otherwise oversaturated industries.
Pearl farming for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Pearls make a sustainable investment in more ways than one.
In fact, a recent initiative begun in Japan turns the waste products from pearl farming into pearl compost, an initiative that meets three of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
First begun in 2019 at several Akoya pearl farms in the Mie Prefecture of Shima City, Japan, this effort makes use of pearl oyster meat – a by-product of pearl farming – by turning it into an odourless, organic substance suitable for use as fertiliser.
Mixing pearl meat with rice bran and husks creates compost that helps protect pearl farm waters and marine ecosystems by reducing the harmful effects of discarded pearl meat. Plus, it can be used to grow vegetables, herbs and flowers.
According to the Mie Prefecture Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Office, this pearl compost meets three of the UN’s SDGs: Goal 12, 14 and 17.
A number of pearl farmers across Japan are now participating in the pearl composting initiative.
3 kinds of sustainably sourced pearls
Tahitian pearls
As the only naturally black pearls, Tahitian pearl jewellery exudes an appealing glamour and elegance.
Coming in tones ranging from peacock green and aubergine to grey, a Tahitian pearl jewellery design like our large diamond ‘huggies’ with Tahitian pearl drops will see you through your morning work meeting through to a candlelit evening dinner. Pair with our black Tahitian pearl and rainbow moonstone choker or our black Tahitian pearl and sapphire bracelet to enhance the radiance of your ensemble.
South Sea pearls
Made with only the most exquisite saltwater gems, our South Sea pearl jewellery gleans with eye-catching lustre.
Keep it classic with a design like our white-gold South Sea pearl necklace, made to order and complementing all skin tones.
Alternatively, choose a bold design like our golden South Sea baroque pearl and Citrine necklace, designed to embody the geometric structures of Filipino pearl reefs. Pair with a set of gold pearl earrings to your taste.
Biwa pearls
Entirely unique in their shape, biwa pearl jewellery is pleasingly asymmetrical and distinctive. Each biwa pearl is also carefully cultivated and responsibly harvested.
Featured in UK Vogue, our biwa pearl and diamond ‘abstract’ pin is the epitome of contemporary glam. For a classic set, wear out white freshwater biwa pearl three-strand bracelet with matching necklace.
Discover your perfect pearl jewellery: Book a personal consultation today!
Considering pearl jewellery as a sustainable investment, but not sure what’s right for you? Book a personal consultation with our head designer, Chrissie.
With over 30 years of expertise, she brings a personal touch to matching the perfect pearl to your unique complexion and style. From initial consultations to customised designs, including reimagining heirloom pieces, this service ensures each creation becomes a cherished part of your wardrobe.
Schedule your personal consultation now and embark on a journey to find the pearls that truly reflect your individuality.
