The Outlook of Hainan’s Pearl Industry

Silky beaches and azure blue skies may not seem like the typical images that come to mind when people think of China. But that is exactly what onlookers see at its southern-most island, Hainan. Now a hot-spot with tourism as one of its pillar industries, the island has seen considerable economic growth with the past two decades witnessing a nine-fold increase in the island’s gross domestic product (GDP). Part of this tropical island’s appeal is its strong stance on eco-tourism. Unlike other parts of China where neck-breaking economic growth has desperately outweighed the detrimental social and environmental impacts, Hainan is set on preserving and treasuring its natural assets. As the governor of Hainan Province has said, “We must attach equal importance to economic development and environmental protection”. It’s no wonder then that with both a high regard for the natural environment and its warm tropical waters, Hainan is known then as a quality producer and exporter of a certain prized gem: pearls.

Hainan, along with Guangdong, Guanxi and Hubei produce the majority of China’s pearl output. As a country, China accounts for more than 95% of international pearl exports. In the past, lackluster standards of pearls in China have been attributed not only to rampant overproduction in cramped oyster spaces, but also to weak genetic species. In comparison to other places, Hainan’s output is considerably smaller (less than one tonne per year). Yet what Hainan lacks in quantity (less than one tonne production per year), it makes up for in quality. Recent years have seen advancing research with the intention of improving the island’s pearl output. For example, Professor Wang of Hainan University is attempting to create a more disease-resistant oyster hybrid that allows for superior and larger pearls to be made. Wang is also looking to help educate farmers about the detrimental impact of having too dense a concentration of oysters in one spot. These scientific advancements, along with environmental preservation initiatives and Hainan’s classification as a Special Economic Zone pose favorable conditions for the island’s future pearl industry outlook.

Pearls have an extensive standing in Chinese literature and lore. They often have a place alongside mythical dragons as divine objects. Early accounts of pearl farming are found in the Song Dynasty. Pearls have also often been associated with virtues such as prosperity, wealth and wisdom, and are valued objects of meditation and perfection in Daoism. Chinese medicine has also touted the remedial qualities of pearls. Cornerstones of Chinese traditional medicine text have claimed that pearls can help remedy ailments such as insomnia, indigestion and heart and liver problems. In fact, Japanese pearl entrepreneur Kokichi Mikimoto was reputed to have swallowed two pearls a day every day of his life since the age of 20 to help him achieve his long life. The pearl’s iridescent quality has also been associated with standards of beauty. Chinese royalty (such as those of the Ming Dynasty) applied ground pearl paste on their skin. Nowadays,  commercialization has seen the development of high end skincare products like La Mer, using pearls as well. 

With pearls being such an integral part of Hainanese culture, it is no surprise that the island houses the Sanya Jingrun Pearl Cultural Center: a museum with an informative gallery on the extensive culturing process of pearls. Hainan Meiyu Pearl Co Ltd, who own the largest pearl shop on the island, has also opened a Beijing Shop this April with a party launch at the Noble Club. With plans to open also in Shenzhen and Shanghai, the company has also forged strategic partnerships with Hong Kong jewelry chain Chow Sang Sang. All of these new developments seem to point in the right direction. And if the government is able to regulate and control the output of pearls at a sustainable level, then the future looks bright.

Image Source: Flickr Honora Pearls, Flickr Melissa Maples