The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will provide reports for cultured pearls grown with a special nuclei containing radio frequency identification (RFID) tags.
The technology, developed by Hong Kong-based Fukui Shell Nucleus Factory, features unique RFID reference number of the pearl, advancing tracing capability and source transparency. The tagged pearls can be easily scanned and provide the necessary traceability information.
Fukui Shell Nucleus Factory is expanding the tracking technology to major pearl producers from French Polynesia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Japan and China.
“As sustainability becomes increasingly important to consumers, this technology can play a vital role in telling the complete story of these gems,” said Tom Moses, GIA executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer.
“The integration of RFID details with GIA Cultured Pearl Reports represents a significant step forward in efforts to enhance traceability and transparency in the pearl industry.”
GIA has developed its trademarked pearl value factors, classifying gems by size, shape, color, nacre, luster, surface and matching. It has also contributed to revising the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s pearl guidelines for the jewelry industry.
Theodor Lisovoy, Managing Editor, Rough&Polished
