Where Do Our Pearls Come From?

Where Do Our Pearls Come From? - A transparent look at our supply chain

Transparency in sourcing is a responsibility we take seriously. At Rabbit Forest Jewellery, we work with trusted partners in two countries to bring you pearls of exceptional quality: freshwater pearls primarily from China and Akoya pearls from Japan. Each type offers its own distinct character, and we are deliberate about where and how we source them.

Here is a clear account of our pearl origins and the standards we uphold.

Pearls – Primarily from China & Japan

The majority of our freshwater pearls are cultivated in the freshwater lakes and rivers of China, particularly in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Hunan provinces. These regions offer ideal conditions — clean, mineral-rich water and stable environments — that allow mussels to produce pearls with strong nacre layers, beautiful lustre, and natural colour variation.

Freshwater pearls are valued for their thicker nacre, wide range of natural shapes and sizes, and excellent value. We work with long-term partners who maintain high standards in water quality, mussel health, and pearl treatment. Our relationships with these farms have been built over many years, allowing us to consistently select pearls that meet our criteria for roundness, surface quality, and harmonious overtones.

We also source Akoya pearls from Japan, the birthplace of cultured pearl farming. Japanese Akoya pearls are renowned worldwide for their exceptional lustre, near-perfect roundness, and refined character. Grown in the cool coastal waters of Japan, these saltwater pearls develop thinner but highly reflective nacre layers that produce a distinctive mirror-like shine.

Our Japanese partners are selected with the same care and long-term commitment as our Chinese suppliers. We prioritise farms that uphold strict standards in oyster health, water quality, and ethical practices. Akoya pearls from Japan allow us to offer pieces with a more classic, high-lustre aesthetic while maintaining the same level of quality and traceability we apply across our entire collection.

Our Approach to Sourcing

Whether from China or Japan, we apply the same rigorous standards when selecting pearls:

• Strong, healthy nacre that contributes to beauty and longevity
• Excellent surface quality with minimal natural blemishes
• Harmonious overtones that enhance the pearl’s natural appearance
• Consistent sizing and shape suitable for refined jewellery design

We maintain direct, long-standing relationships with our suppliers in both countries. Regular communication and periodic visits allow us to stay informed about farming conditions, treatment methods, and quality consistency. We believe that responsible sourcing and strong partnerships lead to better pearls — and greater peace of mind for our customers.

Why Transparency Matters

Understanding where a pearl comes from helps us — and you — appreciate its unique qualities. Japanese Akoya pearls offer exceptional lustre and classic roundness, while carefully selected Chinese freshwater pearls provide beautiful variety, thicker nacre, and excellent durability. By being transparent about our sources, we can confidently offer both types while maintaining consistent standards of quality and ethics across our collection.

We do not claim perfection in a complex global supply chain. What we do promise is honesty about our process and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement in how we source and select our materials.

A pearl’s true value begins with respect — for the water, the creatures that form it, and the people who care for it with patience and integrity.

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