the queen of gems

The pearls of the Oyster Pinctada Máxima are known as australian pearls in Spain and how south sea pearls in the rest of the world, which is more accurate, since they are not only grown in Australia.

They are the rarest and most valuable due to their large size, the scarcity of cultivation areas and the long growth period they need. Its colors range from pure white to deep gold, passing through slightly silvery tones. The shine of Australian pearls, whether white or gold, is deep, smooth, silky and elegant. Only a small percentage of these pearls are spherical, so finding an Australian pearl necklace of the same size, shape and quality is extremely difficult.

Australian Pearls in a Golden Lipped Pinctada Maxima Oyster

Sizes, shapes and colors

Our australian pearls They range from 8 to 20 mm, with an average of 12 mm, since pearls larger than 15 mm are very rare. However, although it is extremely rare, some pearls larger than 20 mm have been found. Only 10-30% of each harvest will be round or semi round. In addition to the above, these pearls can also be found in the form of drops, baroque and keshi with many facets.  

oysters from south sea pearls Those with silver lips usually produce pearls in nuances of white, silver and blue tones. These are grown mainly in Australia and hence we know them as australian pearls. The gold lip variety, on the other hand, produces cream, champagne, and deep gold pearls. The latter are cultivated mainly in the Philippine Islands.

Where do Australian cultured pearls come from?

Most white South Sea pearls are grown throughout the northwest coast of australia, while the pearls of the golden variety are produced mainly in the Philippines and Indonesia, two countries that are fast becoming the leaders in the production of golden South Sea pearls.

In the 1850s, the city of Broome, on Australia's northwest coast, became the center of trade for natural South Sea pearls. A century later during the 1950s, large-scale pearl farming began and has grown steadily ever since. Today, Broome still dominates the South Sea white pearl industry and has developed into a beautiful, modern city that reflects the high technology of the business.

Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay a well known Australian pearl farming area near Broome

 

 

Other types of cultured pearls