New York, NY – Feb. 4, 2018. The Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA) enlisted Hannah Becker, the renowned illustrator behind @Diamondoodles and a GIA graduate gemologist, to create a whimsical proprietary sketch to drive more interest to the pearl category.

In a play on the popular Pearl Jam band and in a nod to hashtag culture, CPAA developed #PearlsJam, one of its signature hashtags in use on Instagram at @PearlsCPAA. CPAA’s Jennifer Heebner, executive director, then reached out to Becker to create a fun illustration to place on promotional merchandise like T-shirts and tote bags. The resulting image—a graphic, music-inspired sketch featuring music keys punctuated by Tahitian pearls to thank benefactor Tahitian Pearl Association of French Polynesia (TPAFP)—gives pearl lovers a playful way to display their affection for the lustrous gems.

“We knew Hannah would do a great job creating a fun image for us to use to drive attention to a gem category with a lot of fresh potential,” says Heebner.

Just about every jewelry business relies on some promotional products, and the CPAA hopes that this graphic will provide members and pearl enthusiasts with a way to celebrate the lustrous and sustainable gem.

“Members can place bulk orders for promotional items like tote bags and notebooks while enthusiasts can purchase one-off items on the CPAA website’s e-shop under merchandise,” says Kathy Grenier, CPAA marketing director. Print-on-demand websites like Printful and Printify permit individuals to buy single items as desired.

CPAA members are entitled to 10 percent discounts on bulk orders of 500 or more items. For a price list of available bulk goods, reach out to Jennifer@JenniferHeebner.com or Kathyspearl@gmail.com.

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CPAA is a nonprofit founded in 1957. The group comprises the finest manufacturers, wholesalers, dealers, and suppliers of cultured pearls in the United States, and its goals are to improve retail marketability of pearls and cultivate demand among consumers. Through promotion, education, public relations, and unwavering commitment to the category, CPAA aims to inspire an authentic passion for all cultured pearl varieties. For more information about becoming a certified pearl expert, please visit PearlsAsOne.org. To learn more about the Cultured Pearl Association of America, please visit CPAA.org.