The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery 2020 Singapore

The 2020 Singapore Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery, conceived by Maiko Makito, Managing Director and Co-Owner of Pearl Falco Corporation, having taken the helm of the family’s pearl business in Japan – Maiko saw an opportunity to invigorate the pearl industry and the local economy of Ise Shima. The aim of the Grand Prix was to share the beauty of Akoya pearls with the world. 2020’s theme was “Goddess,” in honor of Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess, who has been enshrined and worshipped in Japan for more than 2000 years – adored at Japan’s oldest and most sacred Shinto Shrine, Ise Grand Shrine, also known as “the Soul of Japan.”

Ise Shima is also renowned as the birthplace of cultured pearls. In the late 1880s, Akoya oysters were first cultivated in Ise Shima, establishing a method to create beautiful round pearls. This technique for cultivating pearls ultimately contributed to the growth of the pearl industry worldwide.

Akoya oyster cultivation requires no less than daily observation. Even after years of focused cultivation methods, fewer than 30% of cultured pearls can be used for jewellery. Among the difficulties facing luxury pearl jewellery cultivation today, include declining numbers of experienced pearl farmers and global warming. These factors make luxury pearl jewellery production and design even more challenging.

In fact, 80% of Akoya oysters died last year due to global warming. This alarming decline in oysters started its own social awareness campaign in Japan. Thankfully, awareness of climate change is now becoming an unstoppable force, as we all become aware of the human impact of life on earth.