Why Akoya Pearl Sales Are Slowing in 2025 — And How High-Grade Nucleated Freshwater Pearls Are Transforming the Market

For decades, Akoya pearls have dominated the classic fine-jewellery segment — known for their round shape, bright lustre, and prestige.But in 2025, a new trend has quietly but decisively shifted the global pearl market:Akoya pearl sales have slowed, while nucleated freshwater pearls have rapidly gained buyer interest.

Based on international buyer feedback and purchasing behavior up to November 2025, this article explains why this shift is happening, what it means for jewellery brands, and how suppliers like Angeperle are positioned to support the next evolution of pearl sourcing.

1. The Freshwater Revolution: Near-Akoya Quality at a Fraction of the Cost

The most decisive factor behind the slowdown of Akoya sales is the dramatic improvement in nucleated freshwater pearls, especially Gablily-type and similar new-generation pearls.

Modern nucleated freshwater pearls now offer:

• excellent roundness

• sharp, bright lustre

• smooth surfaces

• consistent quality

• wider size options (especially 8–12mm)

• multi-grade price brackets suitable for different markets

When buyers compare Akoya and high-end nucleated freshwater pearls side by side, many are surprised to find that the freshwater option now closely resembles lower- to mid-grade Akoya — at significantly lower cost.

This has created a new mindset in the market:

“If freshwater pearls now look this good, why not give them a try?”

Even manufacturers who never previously considered freshwater pearls for their fine jewellery lines have started purchasing test lots.

2. Pricing Pressure: Akoya Has Become Less Competitive

Akoya pearl pricing has been under pressure due to:

• higher production costs

• increasing farming risks

• limited supply from Japan

• fluctuating weather periods affecting harvest cycles

Meanwhile, nucleated freshwater pearls offer:

• stable supply

• scalable production

• more flexible pricing

• consistent availability from batch to batch

For jewellery manufacturers, especially large factories and retailers, predictable and scalable supply is essential.

Freshwater pearls now offer:

• better margin flexibility

• less financial risk

• more consistent stock availability

As a result, many brands — particularly mid-range and entry-luxury — are shifting their purchasing focus.

3. Changes in Consumer Taste: Trend Shapes Demand

Modern consumers (especially Gen Z and millennials) increasingly prefer:

• unique shapes (baroque, drop, near-round)

• creative designs

• accessible pricing

• large-size pearls

• modern styling beyond the traditional round strand

Nucleated freshwater pearls meet these preferences perfectly, while Akoya remains more traditional and classic.

This trend has:

• expanded the creative space for jewellery designers

• increased demand for baroque-style freshwater pearls

• encouraged brands to experiment with mixed-material collections

• strengthened interest in large, high-lustre pearls (Edison/Gablily types)
  

4. 2025 Buyer Feedback: Why They Hesitate on Akoya

Based on discussions with international wholesalers and factories in November 2025, here are the most common reasons buyers hesitate on Akoya:

“Freshwater quality is now too good to ignore.”

When buyers see the roundness and lustre of nucleated freshwater pearls, they reconsider their purchasing strategy.

“Freshwater pearls help expand product lines.”

Brands can offer more designs at different price points with freshwater pearls.

“Akoya is beautiful, but the cost is harder to justify.”

Especially when mid-grade Akoya and high-grade freshwater look increasingly similar.

“Supply feels more stable with freshwater pearls.”

Large-volume manufacturers need reliable stock, which freshwater farms provide more consistently.

5. How This Market Shift Affects Jewellery Brands

Here’s what the Akoya slowdown and freshwater rise mean for the industry:

For wholesalers:

You need to offer more freshwater options to stay competitive.

For manufacturers:

Freshwater pearls allow:

• flexible pricing

• larger margins

• more design categories

• easier bulk sourcing

For retailers:

A wider range of affordable pearl jewellery can attract new customer segments.

For designers:

Freshwater pearls open creative possibilities not possible with Akoya’s limited shapes.

Angeperle’s Role in the New Era of Freshwater Pearls

As an industry-leading supplier from the world’s primary freshwater pearl origin, Angeperle is at the center of this shift.

Our strengths align perfectly with the 2025 market trend:

🔹 30+ years of multi-generational expertise

Our founder’s family has deep roots in the freshwater pearl industry.

🔹 Stable, high-volume supply

Essential for factories and large retailers.

🔹 One of the widest product selections and price ranges

Few suppliers can match Angeperle’s scope.

🔹 Access to top-tier nucleated pearls (including Gablily quality)

We evaluate and stock the best-performing lots for B2B clients.

🔹 Hong Kong international office

Global shipping, quick communication, real-time stock checking.

🔹 HD stock check videos for B2B buyers

Clients can inspect lots remotely before purchasing.

As freshwater pearls become central to global jewellery trends, Angeperle is uniquely positioned to support brands adapting to the new market.

The slowdown in Akoya sales in 2025 is not a temporary fluctuation — it is a reflection of a deeper industry transformation.

Nucleated freshwater pearls have reached a quality level that challenges traditional expectations, offering beauty, value, and versatility that the modern jewellery market demands.

For brands looking to stay competitive, flexible, and trend-driven, freshwater pearls — especially high-grade nucleated varieties — are becoming the smart and strategic choice.

With decades of expertise and one of the industry’s widest product ranges, Angeperle is ready to support this new direction in pearl sourcing.

📧 mkg2@angeperle.com 📍 Angeperle (Hong Kong) Co. Ltd.