Over twenty years ago, a small gadget called "Canned Pearl" appeared in Hong Kong. Inside a can was a pearl oyster, and inside the oyster was a single pearl. Initially, it could be purchased for only HK$80. Later, the price increased to HK$99. Then, for an additional HK$100, you could have the pearl crafted into pearl jewelry. The origin of this "Canned Pearl" has a little story behind it.
origin
In his youth, the boss frequently traveled to Hawaii for business. He saw "canned pearls" everywhere in the tourist areas. Each can sold for US$19.99 (equivalent to HK$155). Upon opening one, he discovered that these Pinctada martensii oysters were exactly the same species as the pearl oysters he farmed. This prompted him to set up his own factory in Hong Kong to produce them himself, creating a local souvenir made by Hong Kong people.
Why does Hawaii, which doesn't have cultured pearls, have "canned pearls"?
First, it's important to understand the very close relationship between the United States and Japan. Decades ago, Hawaii was a renowned international tourist destination, successfully attracting countless Japanese visitors. Meanwhile, Japan is the world's largest producer of pearls. With its creativity and production capacity, manufacturing and supplying these "canned pearls" would be no difficult task.
Times change
If you travel to mainland China, you can pay a few dozen yuan to have someone open a freshwater mussel containing multiple pearls for you on the spot. During the pandemic, you can pay tens to hundreds of yuan to gamble on whether an online pearl vendor has opened a pearl mussel containing valuable freshwater pearls. On Taobao, you can buy a gift set of "canned pearls" and jewelry for around 15 yuan. Abroad, "canned pearls" are sold under the name Wish Pearl for $25. However, the pearls mentioned above come in all shapes and sizes. If you're considering buying them, it's best to do so as a hobby.
today
The blind box culture is booming. Everyone loves the uncertainty. Some people are even willing to spend a lot of money and not mind the risk of buying multiple boxes to collect them all. This reminds me of paying five dollars for gashapon machines in the past, hoping to get my favorite cards, or the Pokémon Go craze that swept the world a few years ago.
However, since we resumed pearl farming in Hong Kong in 2013 to promote tourism, it's as if we've forgotten about "canned pearls." Nevertheless, friends frequently send us videos about "canned pearls" and offer advice. Their efforts have given us motivation and encouragement.
To promote the Pearl of the Orient to the world, we are launching the "Pearl Blind Jar" made in Hong Kong!
I hope everyone will support this!