
Pearls and Pride: The First Mongolian Graduate of the GIA Pearls Program
Ja'farudin MaulanaShare
My Journey as the First GIA Pearl Graduate Expert in Mongolia
When I look back at my journey, I realize that pearls have been calling to Mongolia for centuries. Even during the era of Khubilai Khan, there were attempts to cultivate pearls — an ambitious dream that history records but never fully realized. Today, many generations later, I am humbled to continue that dream in a modern way.
I am proud to share that I have become the first GIA-certified Pearl Graduate from Mongolia, graduating with honors from the Gemological Institute of America.

The Road to GIA
My path to this achievement began with GIA’s online theory classes, where I built a strong foundation in pearl science: from the natural formation of pearls to cultivation techniques, grading standards, and the global pearl market.
But I knew that theory alone was not enough. To truly understand pearls, I needed to work with them directly. That is what brought me to New York City, where I attended GIA’s lab classes. There, surrounded by experts and advanced gemological equipment, I spent a full day learning to evaluate pearls with precision — observing their luster, orient, nacre thickness, and the many subtle details that distinguish each pearl.

Wearing the Golden South Sea Pearl
One of the most unforgettable moments of my journey was walking into GIA New York wearing my own deep golden South Sea pearl. Its rich golden glow immediately drew attention — even among experts who see pearls from all over the world. Many were amazed by its rare color, and GIA did not even have a pearl of that exact tone in their collection. It was a proud moment to showcase such uniqueness from Mongolia’s side of the story.

A Visit to Mikimoto in Beverly Hills
To deepen my appreciation, I also visited the legendary Mikimoto boutique in Beverly Hills, the brand founded by Kokichi Mikimoto — the pioneer of cultured pearls. Standing in that place felt like touching pearl history itself, linking my Mongolian roots to the global legacy of pearls.

The Rolls Royce of Pearls
The Golden South Sea Pearl is often called the “Rolls Royce of Pearls.” It is not only the rarest of all pearls but also one of the most treasured gems in the world. Its deep golden glow carries a prestige that no diamond or ruby can match — because it is not mined from the earth, but grown with time, patience, and nature’s grace. To own a Golden South Sea Pearl is to hold a true treasure, one that symbolizes luxury, wisdom, and timeless beauty.

The Uniqueness of Philippine Pearls
Alongside the South Sea pearls, I have also discovered the incomparable beauty of Philippine pearls. Every pearl from the Philippines is unique — with a glow, depth, and character that surpasses any other pearl in the world. Their natural beauty is unmatched, and they reflect both the warmth of tropical seas and the spirit of the islands.

Why Buy from Murun Pearl?
Of course, you can walk into any high-end jewelry store in the Philippines or abroad and buy a pearl. But buying from a shop alone is not the same as buying from an expert. At Murun Pearl, we combine deep knowledge, GIA-certified expertise, and one clear goal: to bring you the highest quality pearls at an affordable price.
When you purchase from us, you are not only buying a pearl — you are buying confidence, authenticity, and a promise that every piece has been carefully selected with both science and passion.
Bringing Pearls Back to Mongolia
In Mongolia today, pearls are still a hidden treasure. Unlike gold or silver, which have long been celebrated in our culture, pearls remain relatively unknown. My mission is to change that — to bring the timeless elegance of pearls into Mongolian culture, to honor both our history and our future.
That is why we source only the finest Golden South Sea Pearls and Philippine pearls, and offer them at Murun Pearl shop for prices that make these treasures accessible to more people. Because I believe that every person deserves the chance to own not just jewelry, but a story, a legacy, and a piece of timeless beauty.

A Historic Milestone
Becoming the first GIA Pearl Graduate in Mongolia is more than a personal achievement. It is a bridge between worlds: between the dreams of Khubilai Khan and the modern vision of Murun Pearls, between Mongolia’s vast steppes and the international stage of fine jewelry.
This is only the beginning. I believe pearls — symbols of wisdom, purity, and resilience — will soon shine brightly in Mongolia. And I am honored to be part of this history.