Pearling Legacy Collection

The Pearling Legacy collection references the deep-rooted legacy of pearling expertise that underpins Pearls of Australia. Although Pearls of Australia was formally established in 2018, this collection draws on and celebrates eight decades of pearling knowledge beginning with our pioneering Australian pearl farm, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. Cygnet Bay was one of the first all-Australian, family-owned cultured pearl operations. Discover our story as we invite you to celebrate our 80 years of pearling.

Pearling in Australia began in the 19th century along the north-west coast, particularly around Broome in Western Australia. By the early 1900s, Broome had become one of the world's leading pearling centres due to the abundance of Pinctada maxima pearl shell. In 1946, our Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm was established by the Brown family and so began the journey of 80 years of pearling.

Australia's cultured pearl industry emerged in the mid-20th century when local pearlers began adopting techniques developed in Japan to cultivate Akoya pearls. At Cygnet Bay, the Brown family led the first successful Australian trial harvest of cultured pearls in 1960, establishing what became Australia's first wholly Australian-run and operating pearl farm.

Australia is renowned for its South Sea pearls, grown in the pristine and remote waters of Western Australia. The industry has evolved from wild shell harvesting to eco-conscious pearl farming, balancing cultural heritage with innovation and quality that's recognised worldwide. At Pearls of Australia, we set our jewellery with our stunning Australian South Sea pearls grown at our very own Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm - now in its 80th year of operation.

Mabe pearls and Mother of Pearl are an important part of pearling heritage, and our newest jewellery releases honour these materials alongside our Australian South Sea pearls. Mabe pearls, formed against the inside of a Pinctada maxima pearl shell, showcase the remarkable lustre of these pearls, while Mother of Pearl highlights the iridescent nacre that makes every pearl possible. By featuring these elements, we recognise the whole pearl shell and its contribution throughout pearling history, reflecting the values long practiced at our Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm for the past 80 years.