GIA’s Spring 2026 report from the Tucson shows opens with our multicolor Edison strand, 10–13 mm in every color on the market, as large freshwater pearls led the year’s pearl trade.
GIA's pearl team visited vendors at the AGTA, GJX and Pueblo shows in Tucson to take the measure of the past year's pearl market. Their report opens with a strand from Yen's: freshwater bead cultured (“Edison”) pearls from 10 to 13 mm, showing the full range of colors now on the market. A second photo from our booth shows small round Chinese freshwater pearls that now reach 6 to 7 mm, close to typical akoya sizes.
The takeaways for buyers: large Edison pearls dominated all three shows as color, size and quality keep improving, and they remain far more affordable than saltwater pearls. Tahitian demand stayed strong, led by green “peacock” colors, with multicolor strands drawing more interest and 6–7 mm Tahitians in short supply. White and golden South Sea pearls held steady, and mixed strands pairing them with Tahitians stood out. Japanese akoya were readily available.
Summary by Yen’s Jewelry. The full article is published by GIA Gems & Gemology.
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