Top 10 Pearl Producing Countries

About the Largest Pearl Producing Countries in the World

From the pristine waters of Australia to the traditional pearl farms of Japan, each country brings its unique contributions to the industry. China is the world’s top producer of pearls, followed by Japan, Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. China is known for its freshwater pearls, while Japan is famous for its Akoya pearls. Akoya pearls are saltwater cultured pearls that are cultivated in the seas of Japan. Akoya pearls are famous for their luster, which is sometimes described as metallic. Australia and Indonesia are major producers of South Sea pearls, while the Philippines is known for its golden South Sea pearls....

List of Top 10 Largest Pearl Producing Countries in the World

The table contains the list of the top 10 pearl-producing countries:...

Largest Pearl Producing Country – China

China is the world’s largest producer of cultured pearls. China has been farming pearls for over 1,000 years, and developed the technology for freshwater pearl culture about 2,000 years ago. China’s pearl production has increased significantly since the 1990s, and in 2010 it produced 20 tonnes of marine cultured pearls and 1,500 tonnes of freshwater cultured pearls....

Second Largest Pearl Producing Country – Japan

Japan is the origin of the pearl farming industry, which has grown into a global industry. Japan produces the majority of Akoya Pearls, which come in a variety of colors such as white, pink, green, and rose. Japan has developed an intricate nucleation process that other global operations, including Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia, French Polynesia, and China, have since adopted...

Third Largest Pearl Producing Country – India

India is the world’s largest exporter of pearls, followed by China and Germany. In 2022, India exported $26.2 billion worth of precious and semi-precious jewelry, including pearls. India’s pearl exports are primarily sent to the United States, Austria, and the United Arab Emirates. India also imports pearls from countries such as Hong Kong, China, Japan, Thailand, and the United States....

Fourth Largest Pearl Producing Country – Indonesia

Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of white and golden South Sea pearls. Indonesia has been the world’s biggest South Sea pearl producer since 2005, accounting for around 50% of the world’s pearl production. Indonesia produces about 4 tons of cultured pearls per year from the Pinctada maxima oyster, the world’s largest pearl oyster. Indonesia’s archipelago provides an ideal environment for the production of high-quality pearls....

Fifth Largest Pearl Producing Country – Australia

Australia is a leader in the production and design of pearls. The country is the world leader in value for South Sea pearls, with a market share of nearly 50%.  Australia’s pearl farms produce almost three tonnes of white South Sea pearls per year. Australia’s pearling industry has a long history. Australia’s pearling industry produces some of the world’s most valuable cultured pearls, including the largest, whitest, and most lustrous pearls. Paspaley Pearls has the largest operation in the region....

Sixth Largest Pearl Producing Country – Philippines

The Philippines produces about 15% of the world’s South Sea pearls, which is about 3,700 lbs. The Philippines is known for its golden South Sea pearls and also produces white South Sea pearls. Most of the pearl farming in the Philippines is located on the island of Palawan....

Seventh Largest Pearl Producing Country – Vietnam

Vietnam has been commercially producing saltwater cultured pearls since the 1990s. Vietnam’s pearl farms are primarily located in the northern and southern parts of the country, in areas with calm, clean water rich in plankton. Some of the most famous pearl farms are located in Ha Long Bay and Phu Quoc Island....

Eight Largest Pearl Producing Country – Thailand

Thailand is not a major producer of pearls, but it is a key part of the global pearl industry. Phuket, Thailand, is home to the largest pearl farm in the country, Phuket Pearl, which started pearl farming in 1967. Phuket is also considered one of the best places in the world for pearl breeding....

Ninth Largest Pearl Producing Country – Myanmar

Myanmar produces both freshwater and saltwater pearls. It is known for its Golden South Sea pearls, and in the 1800s, the Salon or Moken people, also known as “sea gypsies,” dived for natural pearls around the 800 islands of the Myeik Archipelago in the far south of the country....

Tenth Largest Pearl Producing Country – Tahiti

French Polynesia, including Tahiti, produces 12.9 metric tons of marine cultured pearls annually. Tahitian pearls are French Polynesia’s largest export, making up over 55 percent of the country’s annual exports of $20 million. Tahitian pearls are some of the rarest, most valuable, and most expensive pearls on the planet. Tahitian pearls are among the world’s largest pearls, ranging in size from 8–18 mm. They are known for their dark body colors, rainbow of overtones, and iridescent, vibrant, almost metallic colors....

Top 10 Pearl Producing Countries

China: Dominates freshwater pearl farming. Japan: Renowned for high-quality Akoya pearls. Australia: Leading producer of South Sea pearls. Philippines: Known for beautiful golden South Sea pearls. Indonesia: A major player in South Sea pearl production. Tahiti (French Polynesia): Famous for exotic black pearls. Vietnam: Emerging producer of high-quality pearls. Thailand: Specializes in cultured freshwater pearls. Myanmar: Known for South Sea pearls. India: Increasing production of freshwater pearls....

Largest Pearl Producers in the World

China: Largest producer, especially of freshwater pearls. Japan: Pioneered pearl farming; famous for quality. Australia: Top producer of luxurious South Sea pearls....

World’s Biggest Pearl Producing Countries

China: Leads in volume and variety. Japan: High-quality pearls with a long history. Australia: Known for large, high-value South Sea pearls....

Major Pearl Exporters Globally

Japan: Exports high-quality pearls worldwide. Australia: Major exporter of South Sea pearls. Tahiti: Known for exporting unique black pearls....

Pearl Production by Country

China: Massive production of freshwater pearls. Australia: Specializes in South Sea pearl production. Philippines: Significant producer of golden South Sea pearls....

Leading Countries in Pearl Farming

Japan: Innovator of modern pearl farming techniques. China: Extensive freshwater pearl farming. Australia: Pristine environments for South Sea pearl farming....

Top Pearl Producing Nations 2024

China: Continues to lead in pearl production. Japan: Maintains its reputation for quality pearls. Australia: Dominates the South Sea pearl market....

Global Pearl Production Ranking

China: #1 in global pearl production. Japan: Remains a leader in quality pearl production. Australia: Strong presence in the luxury pearl segment....

Conclusion – Top 10 Largest Pearl Producing Countries in the World

The top 10 pearl-producing countries in the world play a crucial role in shaping the global pearl market. The cultivation of pearls not only serves as a source of economic prosperity but also preserves cultural heritage and promotes sustainable practices in marine environments. As consumer demand for pearls continues to rise, these countries must balance commercial interests with environmental conservation to ensure the long-term viability of pearl production. Through continued innovation, collaboration, and stewardship, these nations can maintain their positions at the forefront of the pearl industry, providing exquisite treasures for generations to come....

Top 10 Largest Pearl Producing Countries in the World – FAQs

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