Stimulating investment in pearl farming in ... - World Fish Center

Appendix 1. Evaluation of the pearls from the 1997(first) seeding.Grading and valuation of the first crop of black South Sea CulturedPearls from Solomon Islands by Rudi Zingg of Devino PTY Ltd.I certify that I have examined 886 pearls delivered to me on the 6 th August by DrJohann Bell from the International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management(ICLARM). Dr Bell informs me that the pearls were the first crop harvested from thedemonstration pearl farm operated by ICLARM at Gizo in the Western Province ofSolomon Islands.Overall, the size and colour of the pearls are typical of those harvested from a firstseeding of black-lip pearl oysters, although there are perhaps a greater percentage ofpearls with a light olive colouration than is typical with other areas. The average sizewould be expected to increase once pearls from oysters that have been seeded for asecond and third time are included in the crop.My grading (see attached page) was done after all pearls had been polished and wasbased on size, shape, colour, surface condition (extent of “spotting”) and lustre:Size: to the nearest 1mmShape: round, near round, semi baroque, and circle (including buttons and baroque)Colour: this was variable within the range production by the black-lip pearl oyster andonly described for the most valuable pearls.Surface condition: ranging from a score of clean (0) to 5 (severe spotting)Lustre: A, B, C.The round and near round pearls were assessed individually, whereas the circle pearlswere graded into three broad categories: A,B,C.I have valued the pearls by attributing prices that I would expect them to fetch if theywere being sold directly by the producer at a large pearl auction. The prices are inAUD and would be expected to increase 3 – 4 times if the pearls were sold throughretail outlets.Although the total value of the pearls is not remarkable, there is every reason tobelieve that pearls of high quality can be produced in Solomon Islands. The coloursare attractive and acceptable and, over time, the average size of the pearls willincrease as more shells are re-seeded for a second and third time. This factor aloneshould make a great difference to the value of the crop because the size of pearlscontributes significantly to its value. Also, once experienced investors in the pearlindustry are attracted to the Solomon Islands, it is reasonable to assume that they willimprove the average quality of the pearls grown there by increasing the percentage ofround and near round pearls beyond the 10% of such pearls in this crop. Anexperienced pearling company should be able to double or treble this percentage after5 to 10 years, and also improve the surface condition and lustre of the pearls. This will28