Pearl Farms

The cultivation of our South Sea and Akoya pearls are typically considered to be sustainable and ethical. Pearl farms are often operated in harmony with the environment, using eco-friendly farming practices and contributing to the local economy.

However, it is important to choose pearl jewellery, like from reputable sources that adhere to ethical and environmental standards, and to avoid purchasing pearls that have been obtained through illegal or unethical means.

Cultured pearls are grown on pearl farms around the world, where skilled pearlers work with oysters to nurture pearls over several years.

While pearls form naturally, cultured pearls are created through responsible cultivation, carefully placing a nucleus inside the oyster and allowing it to coat the nucleus with layers of nacre.

Global pearl production spans many regions. You'll find pearl farms in Japan producing Akoya pearls, pearl farms in the Philippines cultivating warm-tones pearls, pearl farms in Indonesia cultivating golden pearls, and pearl farms in French Polynesia renowned for their naturally dark Tahitian pearls. There are also extensive pearl farms in China, responsible for most of the world's freshwater pearls.

In Australia, cultured pearls are grown in some of the most pristine marine environments on the planet. Our Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm on the Dampier Peninsula of Western Australia, just north of Broome, produce the rare Australian South Sea pearl - the largest and most highly sought-after pearl variety.

On the east coast of Australia, Broken Bay Pearl Farm cultivates premium Akoya pearls in the stunning waters of the lower Hawkesbury River.

Wherever they are grown, our cultured pearls reflect the care taken to cultivate these precious gems within our Australian pearl farms.

Pearl farming is the art and science of cultivating pearls through responsible marine aquaculture. It begins with the careful cultivation and care of our pearl shell at our Broken Bay and Cygnet Bay pearl farms.

A skilled pearl technician gently places a nucleus within the pearl shell, kickstarting the process of nacre formation. Over years, the oyster coats the nucleus with layer upon layer of nacre, eventually forming a saltwater pearl.

Modern pearl farms in Western Australia and New South Wales, like those in Broome, the Kimberleys and on the Central Coast, use generations of knowledge to support the health of the pearl shell, monitoring water quality, tides, and environmental conditions that could impact the quality of the pearls.

At Pearls of Australia, pearl farming is a partnership between our people and our planet. Every pearl harvested represents years of dedication, patience and care, making Australian-grown saltwater pearls some of the rarest and most sought-after in the world.