In the remote area of far North Western Australia the largest and most prestigious pearls in the world are found – the Australian cultured pearls.  Australia supplies 60% (by value) of the world’s finest cultured pearls between 10 and 20mm in size.  The combination of impeccable environmental conditions, government control, dedication, research & development has nurtured the highly sought after gem.

The pearl molluscs are seeded with a section of mantle.  For two months the oyster is regularly turned to ensure the pearl grows evenly and for the next two years it is cleaned of marine growth every two weeks.  After the pearls are harvested they are washed in freshwater and detergent several times and polished in a tumbler before being graded for value and sale.

The value of a pearl comes from the unique ability of the nacre to absorb, refract and reflect light.  Size contributes to the price of a pearl.  As it is more difficult for oysters to grow large pearls they are more scarce but two pearls of different sizes may be valued the same if the small pearl is superior in lustre.

Lustre, shape, surface perfection and rarity all come into the valuation of a pearl.

Australian South Sea Pearls are found in a variety of colours including white, silver, gold and rose.  Australian South Sea Pearls are generally rare and valuable.