OsHv-1 Devastating Impact on Akoya Pearls

OsHv-1 Infected Akoya Pearl

As a jewelry designer, I have always been fascinated by pearls – their subtle beauty, and the way the iridescent opalescent shimmer makes them different from any other gemstone. However, a pathogen first detected in the early 90s complicated Akoya pearls in the worldwide marketplace.

The Impact of OsHv-1 on The Akoya Pearls

The disease, known as the Ostreid herpesvirus¹, or OsHV-1, causes atrophy in the oyster, including the adductor muscle responsible for holding the shell together.

This affects the muscle and the pearls themselves, causing irregular dark coloration and resulting deformities, reducing the pearl’s signature luster. In addition, the mollusk’s mantle (the soft fleshy tissue closest to the internal shell lip) withers in a display of the same visual circumstance of the disease.

Key Contributors to the OsHv-1 Problem

As a result, the weakened oysters are not able to defend themselves from the infection, or, consequently create the gemstone from the animal’s compromised secretion of nacre that ultimately creates the signature Akoya pearl.

OsHV-1, has been attributed with upwards of 80% mortality in the Akoya mollusk (Pinctada Fucatamartensi) in tropical waters subject to high South Sea temperatures, its diminishing plankton food-source, and environmental pollution².

The impact of this disease on the pearl market cannot be overstated. Unfortunately, this has led to an alarming decrease in the number of healthy Akoya oysters available for pearl cultivation.

Influences On Aloya Pearl Price and Availability

The effect on our industry has been devastating: with fewer pearls being produced, prices have increased at an accelerated rate to account for the shrinking availability. This means that retailers accordingly increase their prices due to the reduced supply and increased demand.

But what does this mean in terms of the jewelry design process? Well, for one thing, it makes sourcing high-quality Akoya pearls more challenging than ever before.

As designers, we have always sought out the best materials possible to create our pieces – but now that task has become even more difficult due to OsHV-1’s impact on supply chains across Asia, the primary source of Japanese cultured pearls, and Australia’s aquaculture, where the disease has also been identified and documented as Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome or POMS.

Best Real Pearl Alternatives

Despite these challenges however; as a jewelry designer myself I understand the importance of maintaining high quality.

This means adapting and prioritizing affordability with equal importance given to the physical value along with the best alternative materials for handcrafted pearl designs.

The solution lies in the process of exploring new techniques and finding unique ways to incorporate the beauty of natural pearls into finished products without compromising on aesthetic appeal.

Freshwater or cultured pearls possess the remarkable physical beauty and The gemstone’s sought-after luster. Their natural elegance, combined with other gemstones create some of the most distinctive designs in pearl and gemstone necklaces, earrings, and bracelets we’ve seen.

Getting The Best Value

In conclusion, we are all facing an unprecedented challenge in our industry due to OsHV-1’s impact on the availability and affordability of Akoya pearls. However, as designers, it is up to us to adapt creatively while maintaining quality standards – even when times get tough. As always; we remain committed to bringing you beautiful pieces that celebrate your personal style and passion for fashion culture.

References

1. USDA United States Department of Agriculture
   Ostreid Herpesvirus-1
   https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/aquaculture/ostreid-herpesvirus-faq ↩︎
2. Wikipedia
   Malacoherpesviridae is a family of DNA viruses the order Herpesvirales known to infect invertebrates.
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malacoherpesviridae ↩︎