Last year, I became president of the Cultured Pearl Association of America, which has since transitioned into the Pearl Association of America. That means I now represent the U.S. pearl industry — and it’s meant a lot of travel. I’ve been to Asia four times in the past three months. Twice to source pearls, and twice to represent the industry in China and Japan.
Just last month, Hisano and I led a group to Japan to visit akoya pearl farms in Uwajima. We toured one of the world’s largest akoya processing facilities and spent three days at the Japan Pearl Fair in Kobe.
It was a truly special group. I had personally invited each guest: Tevai Hunter of Kamoka Pearl, Helena Blanchet of Slightly Obsessed with LTD, Nathalie V. of @thejourneyofagem, BWeaves from the Pearl Guide forum, and Ruby Liu and Andrew Lucas of Guild Laboratories.
A special visit to Mikimoto Pearl Island, including a private museum tour.The trip was hosted by the Japan Pearl Exporters Association, who gave us a rare, behind-the-scenes experience. We visited three small, family-run farms in Uwajima, watched the delicate art of grafting, and even took part in harvesting a few pearls.
I’ve visited many farms over the past 25 years, but this was my first time on a small family farm in Japan, and the difference was striking. Everything was intentional and the farms so, so clean! Every step of the process was handled with surgical precision.
The farms were run by generational families, with grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren all working alongside each other. It was moving to witness their skill, passion, and deep connection to their work. It is truly a labor of love.
From Uwajima, we flew to Osaka and spent the afternoon at Otsuki Pearl, the world’s largest akoya wholesaler. We had full access to the sorting, drilling, and stringing areas. Every step was done by hand with care and intention.
That part really stood out to me. Just a week earlier, I’d been in Shanxiahu, China, where nearly all the sorting is now done by machines. The contrast couldn’t have been more clear. In Japan, the human touch is still at the heart of everything.
The trip wrapped up with three days at the Japan Pearl Fair. We were honored as special guests and participated in events, including a panel discussion on trends, sustainability, and social responsibility in the pearl world.
A few spectacular loose akoya pearlsOf course, we also shopped. Hisano and I spent hours sorting and selecting standout akoya strands — many of which will be making their way to the website soon.
We’re so grateful to the Japan Pearl Exporters Association for their hospitality. It was an unforgettable experience, and we’re going to repeat it this November with another group of pearl-loving enthusiasts! Next time, we're headed to Tsushima Island!
Jeremy Shepherd
CEO - PearlParadise.com
We finished the trip at the 6th Annual Japan Pearl Fair in Kobe, Japan
