"New process" enhances lower priced cultured pearls

Demand for lower prices cultured pearls has prompted a new process from Japan which adds a rosé overtone to otherwise white, thin nacred pearls.
Since 80% to 90% of Japan's pearls are exported to this country and their demand has been increasing, especially in the lower end goods, the Japanese began experimenting with a dye process that imparts a color more attractive to the US market.
Although the culturing time is still short - eight to twelve months, in most cases - the dye adds a pleasing color while keeping the price low.
Detection of the dye is generally not a problem, as concentrations usually appear around the drill hole or near surface blemishes.
This procedure has been in use for about one year and is expected to show up more heavily in this year's Christmas season.