Kobe Pearl Auction Goes Virtual - March 2022

[jshepherd]

Hisano and I had a fun experience this weekend participating in an auction virtually. I shot a short video while we were wrapping up. During the appointment with an auction concierge, we were able to view lots under a macro-lens and different lights. We did decide to give it a try and bid for lots that we're confident in.

 

[CortezPearls]

Interesting Jeremy! I read last year that Robert Wan was having some auctions online as well. Wonder who others have joined in this digital trend_

 

[jeg]

Please share a peek at the lots when they arrive!

 

[pearlescence]

Was that the Atlas one?
It's been fascinating to see which wholesalers embraced C21 and the covid brick wall and which just carried on as if nothing had happened.

 

[jshepherd]

This is The Kobe International Pearl Auction put on by the JPEA. There are South Sea and Tahitian lots too though, so it's not only akoya.

The concierge made the process pretty straight forward. It's not quite the same as being there, but it sure is a close second. The entire viewing and bidding process was done in under an hour, which beats the five days of travel and work it would take otherwise.

 

[CortezPearls]

And all the associated expenses too!
But visiting Japan can be quite an experience -pearls aside- so definitively worth it.
But it was very interesting to see part of the process!

 

[Katbran]

Really inter, most auctions just toss a photo of a group of pearls up and give a reserve … this is much more sophisticated. I assume they have a concierge who speaks English ? I’m pretty sure I picked up “ thank you” lol

 

[jshepherd]

They do have English-speaking concierges available. This is part of the original invitation. Their English might not be perfect, but they are pearl people, so they are sure to speak pearl lingo well.


Information on the Kobe International Pearl Auction (March)

Japan Pearl Exporters Association (JPEA) has been commissioned by Kobe City to hold an international pearl auction in March. We would like to invite you to participate in this event. In spite of the travel restrictions due to COVID19, we would like to invite guests from overseas to participate in this event, and we are preparing the guide service by concierge (available in Japanese, English, and Chinese language) who has a decent knowledge of pearls, so that you can do business online safely. For more details, please check those below. If you wish to participate in this auction, please fill out the attached Buyer Registration Form, Concierge Reservation Form (optional), and Tour Reservation Form (optional).

 

[CathyKeshi]

That’s fascinating; Thanks Hisano and Jeremy!

 

[CortezPearls]

Totally agree with CathyKeshi
This has been 100% Educational. This is a "Brave New Pearl World" in front of us.