The First Exhibition in Singapore from Ise Shima Japan
First of all, I would like to thank the Japanese Embassy in Singapore for allowing us to hold our event in such a beautiful location in spite of the trying situation with Covid-19.
2020 was the 3rd year of The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewelry in Ise Shima. 2020’s creations of 55 students, graduates and professionals from 10 countries were presented here in the Japanese Embassy of Singapore Japan Creative Center.
This year’s theme for the competition was “Goddess.” In honor of Amaterasu Omikami, the Shinto Sun Deity, enshrined and worshiped at Ise Jingu for over 2000 years, Japan’s oldest and most sacred Shinto Shrine located in Ise Shima Japan.
I arrived in Singapore in 2005 on a company assignment. 4 years ago, I took over my family’s business, Pearl FALCO. When I first arrived here in Singapore, I couldn’t have imagined Singapore becoming my home for more than 15 years.
For me personally, one of the most positive side effects of the Grand Prix is sharing my love for my hometown of Ise Shima. I was personally surprised to learn how many Singaporeans have visited Japan, but are not familiar with Ise Shima. Even though Ise Shima is the birth place of cultured pearls, the birthplace of the Shinto religion and the origin of the world-renowned female pearl divers.
In addition, still not many people here in Singapore are familiar with differentiating the quality of pearls nor the real value of each pearl.
Due to global warming and the decline in the number of local pearl farmers, Akoya pearl production has been decreasing rapidly and is down to only 10% from prior decades. Only last year 80% of Akoya oysters died due to ocean temperature changes. Of those, even after several years’ of consistent cultivation and devotion, fewer than 30% of cultured pearls can be used for jewelry.
Ise Shima not only entails pearl cultivation, but supports harvesting, cleaning, processing, grading and crafting, all of which is still done by hand. The grand tradition of the Japanese pearl industry is alive and well, started and remains in Ise Shima, Japan.
Through this design competition, I wish to connect my 1st hometown, Ise Shima and my 2nd hometown, Singapore so that more people will become better aware of pearls. I have always felt that people and their connections are at the heart of what makes us happy. Pearls help enhance the beauty in people in a natural and timeless manner.
All Jewellery creations of The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery in Ise Shima 2020 are displayed here
We will organize 2021’s pearl jewelry competition and announce details soon. We are very much looking forward to seeing many talented creations from all over the world! Let’s enjoy “A Life with Pearls.”