Pearl farming in China is mainly concentrated in the southeastern part of the country, with the waterways ofZhejiang province serving as the source for China's freshwater pearls.[1] Production has greatly increased through the 1990s and 2000s, with China, according toTimes Online, producing 90% of pearl necklaces globally.[1]Times Online indicated that in 2007 "China produced 1,600 tonnes of pearls..., more than 95 per cent of world production."[1]
According to the Gems and Jewelry Trade Association of China China produced in 2007, "1,600 tons of pearls - over 95 percent of the world's total output".[2]