Mother of Pearl Button

Inspired by the rich heritage of Mother of Pearl, our Button Collection pays tribute to the remarkable role this material has placed in the story of Australian pearling. Released as part of our 80-year anniversary, this collection reflects eight decades of knowledge and innovation: From the early days of Broome as the global centre of mother of pearl button supply to its reinvention in contemporary jewellery, we honour a material deeply woven into our pioneering legacy. 

We like to say “Broome was built on buttons!” In the early 20th century, this remote Kimberly town became the epicentre of the world’s mother of pearl textile industry, supplying up to 80% of global demand. This history sits at the heart of Cygnet Bay’s pearling story, and our foundations laid in 1946.  

Pearling Legacy Collection
Pearling Legacy Collection
A woman holds a striking Mother of Pearl shell while wearing her Mother of Pearl jewellery pieces - all grown at our Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm.
Mother of Pearl Jewellery

What does the Mother of Pearl Button collection consist of?

Consisting of a necklace, bracelets, cufflinks and two pairs of studs, the Button Collection features Mother of Pearl crafted into button forms. Each piece captures the iridescent nacre, also known as the inner layer of the Pinctada maxima shell, grown at our Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. Designed to feel timeless, these pieces celebrate the material that has shaped our past and continues to define our future. 

Is your Mother of Pearl MSC certified? Where is your Mother of Pearl cultivated?

Today, we honour this legacy right where it began. Responsibly harvested and MSC-accredited*, our Mother of Pearl is cultivated at our very own Cygnet Bay pearl farm in Western Australia. This collection is a wearable testament to our 80 years of Australian pearling heritage, a celebration of provenance and the enduring allure of Mother of Pearl, carried forward into the next chapter of pearling. 

Are Mother of Pearl buttons durable enough for everyday wear?

Yes, Mother of Pearl is naturally resilient, making it a great option for everyday jewellery. To preserve their lustre and the metal's shine, follow our care guide.

Will the colour and lustre of the buttons match what I see online?

Mother of Pearl is a natural material, so natural variations that are subtle in tone and texture are part of its beauty. Some buttons may appear creamy white, while others carry rainbow undertones, depending on the shell. We photograph our Mother of Pearl Button jewellery in natural light to represent their true iridescence as accurately as possible. These variations ensure your jewellery feels authentic and elevated, never mass-produced, because it isn't.

What is Broome's connection to Mother of Pearl buttons?

The town of Broome was built on the global demand for Mother of Pearl long before cultured pearls became the focus of the industry. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Broome was one of the world's largest pearling ports, suppling premium shell to Europe and America for the production of Mother of Pearl buttons. The iridescent inner lining of the Pinctada maxima shell was prized for its strength and beauty, becoming a staple in luxury tailoring worldwide. By choosing Mother of Pearl Button inspired jewellery today, you're connecting to that rich maritime heritage, a legacy of craftsmanship and Australian pearling history that continues to shape our story.