Jeweller - February Issue 2018

Speaking of new and creative uses of pearls,
there’s been displays of just that paraded
on the international stage. According to
Wainscott, this is an advantage to the
industry in Australia.
“I love seeing the amazing work that comes
out of the Paris haute couture shows, as this
is a very influential aspect on international
fashion trends and colour forecasting for
the coming year,” Wainscott says.
“Gucci did some great pearl
embellishments throughout its accessories
collection this year on bags, shoes, and
trainers. I think these will really help bring
pearls into everyday wear and to a wider
age group, rather than as a special occasion
piece which was traditionally worn by a
more mature market.”
MARKET SHIFTS
When reviewing recent market changes,
there appears to be consensus that the
developments have benefited suppliers
and retailers selling pearl jewellery.
Fallourd states that the supply of
freshwater pearls has significantly
decreased, following the implementation
of new Chinese regulations geared towards
the production and exportation of better
quality products.
“This is a move acknowledged by the
whole industry as a positive effort to better
manage supply and demand,” Fallourd
explains. “It will result in better products
becoming available at retail level, and
an improved appreciation of pearls as a
jewellery category.”
The prevalence of the Chinese baroque
pearl has also impacted the local market
and Parker adds that retailers would do
well to provide “original, affordable designs
using these pearls”.
Lindsay Youd, managing director of Western
Australian-based Allure South Sea Pearls,
points to an increasing preference for gold
and black pearls as a major market change.
“We’ve seen a much stronger demand in
the marketplace for intense gold pearls that
only seems to be increasing in the tourism
industry,” he says. “We’ve also become
aware that the keen interest in black pearls
has been reignited throughout Australia.”
THE SECOND COMING
As New Zealand fashion and jewellery
designer Karen Walker, whose jewellery
is distributed locally by Worth & Douglas,
eloquently explained in a 2017 interview
with the Australian Financial Review,
Millennials and Gen Zs are the generations
who have “not experienced pearls as a
modern piece in their wardrobe”.
Consequently, there are opportunities
abound for retailers who want these
younger and more influential generations
to invest in pearls.
Youd notes that working with “a host of
social media influencers” is an integral part
of Allure’s plan to market its pearl offering
to Millennials and Gen Z.
“[These social media influencers] develop
ongoing content for Allure and we work
with them as part of unique collaborations,”
Youd explains.
LINNEYS
PEARLS FOR GIRLS
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