China

China produces the greatest quantity of cultured pearls in the world. However, these are freshwater cultured pearls. It has also overtaken Japan in Akoya production in recent years. 

Freshwater pond used for pearl mussel cultivation in Donggou, China. Photo: Henry Hänni
Freshwater mussels from China. Photo: Henry Hänni
Pearl farming in Wuhan province, China. Photo: Henry Hänni
Freshwater pearl mussels can be cultivated in rivers, lakes and ponds. Photo: Henry Hänni
Pearl trading centre in Donggou, China. Photo: Henry Hänni
Grafting operation. Photo: Henry Hänni
The two mussel species used in freshwater pearl cultivation in China. Hyriopsis schlegeli and hyriopsis cumingi. Photo: Henry Hänni

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