Zhuji--the pearl capital of China: one of the fastest growing categories of pearl jewelry is that of freshwater pearls. Coming in myriad of shapes, sizes, colors, and qualities, the vast majority of the world's freshwater pearls come from China.(Focus on China) From: JQ | Date: July 1, 2007| Author: | COPYRIGHT 2007 Adams Business Media. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

The pearl industry in China is regarded as a traditional and national industry. Most of the nation's pearl-related activities take place in Zhejiang Province, with the city of Zhuji as its hub. Located in the southern part of the Yangtze River Delta, about two hours by car from Shanghai and 30 minutes from the Xiaoshan International Airport, Zhuji has a population of just over 1 million. With a long history and rich heritage, the city was the capital of the ancient Yue State and the home of Xizi, the celebrated beauty who, legend has it, was born of the pearl luster entering her ...