Our FAQs

OUR PEARLS

Where do Pearls of Australia pearls come from?

Pearls of Australia boast a rare combination of both Australian South Sea pearls from the Australia Pinctada maxima oyster, and the Akoya pearls from the sub-tropical species of pearl shell known as Pinctada fucata.

Our Australian South Sea pearls are cultured and harvested in the pristine waters of our Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm on the Kimberley Coast of WA, while our Akoya pearls are located within the stunning estuaries of our Broken Bay Pearl Farm on the Central Coast of NSW.

With each purchase of Pearls of Australia jewellery, you will be provided with a Certificate of Authenticity to guarantee the provenance and quality of the pearls.

How are Pearls of Australia pearls different from other pearls?

The Pinctada maxima oyster is the largest of all pearl-producing oysters in the world, therefore our Australian South Sea pearls have the thickest nacre and a lustre, colour and size to rival any other.

Australian South Sea pearls require a substantial amount of time and effort to cultivate and are world renowned for their beauty and value. These pearls account for 1% of the world’s production, but due to their incredible quality and demand they result in a 25% of total sales. This demand highlights the prestige of Australian South Sea pearls.

At Pearls of Australia, we hand select only the most premium quality pearls to elegantly craft our jewellery.

Pearls of Australia is also the only pearl farm operating in NSW, having a unique offering of both Australian Akoya pearls and Australian South Sea pearls.

Are Pearls of Australia pearls treated?

We do not treat our pearls at Pearls of Australia.

In a global industry where chemical treatments and enhancements are common, we place a high value on understanding and disclosing every visible and invisible aspect of a pearl’s virtues, through education and experience.

Each of our pearls has natural colour and lustre and are backed with a Certificate of Authenticity. This certificate contains full transparency around both the visible and invisible virtues, including the full journey of the pearl, from where it was nurtured and eventually sprung to life within our pristine Australian waterways.

How long does it take to produce a pearl?

Australian South Sea pearls grow over a 2 year period, whereas the Australian Akoya pearl shell can take an average of 18 months to produce an Akoya pearl.

What months are seeding and harvesting of pearls done each year?

Annually from May to September.

What is the difference between Saltwater pearls and Freshwater pearls?

Australian South Sea pearls are grown in Cygnet Bay in North West Australia. Our Akoya pearl oysters are grown in the Hawkesbury River located at Broken Bay in NSW.

Our Australian Saltwater pearl shell usually produce only 1 pearl every 1.5 to 2 years and are not treated, dyed or enhanced in any way.

Freshwater oysters may produce 30-50 pearls at a time, and they are usually dyed, bleached and treated to improve their appearance. For more information, read our blog.

Why do pearls have small markings on them?

Pearls are the only gem produced by a living organism. The minor blemishes and marks found on a pearl are the natural birth marks of that pearl. No two pearls are alike, making your pearl jewellery totally exclusive and unique. Learn more about choosing your pearl.

What are Keshi pearls?

‘Keshi’ is a Japanese term for poppy seed and are small seedless pearls that are perfectly unique in shape. Often confused for natural pearls, Keshi pearls are a result of the culturing process and are often not discovered until the very end of the pearling process. Australian South Sea Keshi pearls are admired for their superior quality, remarkable lustre and organic appearance.

Shop our range of Keshi pearl jewellery today.

What are Mabe pearls?

Mabe pearls also known as blister pearls, or half pearls, are grown against the inside of the Mother of Pearl shell.

What makes Mabe pearls unique is the shape of the pearl. Because they are cultivated against the inside of the pearl shell, rather than within its tissue, one side of the pearl is flat.

Our Mabe pearls are produced by our Australian South Sea pearl shells and are commonly white to cream in colour. There are various other pearl shells that produce other colours – like the black-lipped oyster that produces green, peacock or black Mabe pearls and the Penguin oyster that produces Mabe pearls with pink, champagne and gold hues.

Shop our range of Mabe pearl jewellery pieces today.

Why does my pearl look different to the one pictured?

Like snowflakes, no two pearls are exactly alike, therefore some pearls may appear different in shape or colour to those pictured on our website. Learn more about choosing your pearl.

What is Mother of Pearl?

Mother of pearl is the name used for the iridescent substance that forms the inner layer of the shell of molluscs. It is found mostly in three types of molluscs which include pearl oyster shell.

Scientifically speaking, mother of pearl is the nacre produced by the shell. Nacre is a substance composed of calcium carbonate crystals, silk proteins and other organic materials which are layered like brick work over the inner lining of the shells. This layering results in the wave striations that can be seen on shells.

The iridescence of the nacre comes from the way that each successive layer of the nacre secretion thickens based on the amount of visible light available. The layers of varying thickness causes light to reflect off the nacre from different depths, causing any visible layers to appear as different shimmering colours.

To learn more about Mother of pearl, read more on our blog. To shop our range of Mother of Pearl jewellery, visit the link here.

OUR WORKSHOP

Do you have any tours or experiences available at your Pearls of Australia Perth Studio?

We most definitely do have experiences at our Pearls of Australia workshop! We hold a Pearl Masterclass that is an exclusive after-hours access to our very own Perth Studio.

Join us with a sparkling glass of wine in hand, and light refreshments for an enlightening journey through the world of pearls. This experience allows you to delve into the rich history and story behind our precious gems as our passionate team of pearl experts guide you through the intricacies of pearl cultivation.

Whether you’re a seasoned pearl enthusiast or a curious newcomer, our Pearl Masterclass promises an experience like no other.

Book your spot now and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of pearls.

How is your jewellery made?

At Pearls of Australia we use a combination of both new and recycled materials, depending on requirements and supply. At our studio, we recycle all our scrap and excess for reuse, and where possible, we use recycled metals and work with jewellery suppliers who are like minded and are committed to sustainable and ethical practices such as those who refine locally and also recycle their own scrap.As we are passionate about ethical and consciously created jewellery, we have established strong relationships with compliant and accredited suppliers that not only consider our environment but also fair trade and safe workplace conditions.We will continue to drive the percentage of our materials to be 100% recycled, but due to the complex nature of materials, particularly gold, and their behavioural properties, coupled with our jewellery designs, it is not yet feasible for us – or any jeweller – to use entirely recycled gold across all pieces. This is standard practice for all jewellerys who are looking at sustainable practices, like utilizing recycled metals and materials in their designs.One of our suppliers is Palloys, if you would like to learn more about them here. Furthermore, we only sell pearls that we grow and we sustainably and ethically cultivate our pearls. All Pearls of Australia jewellery features our Australian Akoya and Australian South Sea pearls that is grown at our very own Cygnet and Broken Bay Pearl Farms that you are able to visit. This ensures a chain of custody from farm to consumer, and allows us to be transparent in our jewellery production. If you’d like to learn more about our pearls and where they are cultivated we recommend visiting this link. Each one of our pearls and pearl jewellery pieces include a Certificate of Authenticity to showcase the origin, species and provenance of the pearl.

Where are your diamonds sourced from?

Pearls of Australia diamonds are individually selected by our team and only the finest quality diamonds are used in our jewellery designs.

Diamonds are graded using a system devised by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) who are recognised as the foremost international diamond authority.

Pearls of Australia are committed to selecting only premium quality diamonds from guaranteed sources. The Kimberley Process is an United Nations mandated forum, with a focus on stemming the flow of conflict diamonds into the international market. When you purchase a Pearls of Australia jewellery item with a diamond, you can be assured you a purchasing a quality item from a conflict free source.

What is the Kimberley Process?

The Kimberley Process is a commitment to remove conflict diamonds from the global supply chain. When you purchase a Pearls of Australia jewellery item with a diamond, you can be assured you a purchasing a quality item from a conflict free source.

Where is your silk cord sourced?

Our commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing is exemplified by our use of 100% silk cords certified under OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100. This certification ensures that our silk cords are rigorously tested and free from harmful substances, reflecting our dedication to safe, eco-friendly products. By adhering to these high standards, we support ethical suppliers and sustainable production practices, reinforcing our mission to create jewellery that is both beautiful and responsible. To learn more about this certification visit here.

Do you offer click and collect at your workshop or locations?

We most definitely do! For any online orders, just select your preferred click and collect location at the checkout, whether that is at our Perth Workshop, Broken Bay Pearl Farm Shellar Door, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm Gallery or Broome Boutique. One of our friendly team members will be in touch once your order is ready to collect! Please allow up to 5 business days for click and collect.

Can I schedule an in-person consultation?

Pearls of Australia take in-person consultations at all their locations. Appointments can be arranged virtually as well.

To schedule a one-on-one appointment with one of our Pearl Experts, please email hello@pearlsofaustralia.com.au

OUR PRODUCTION

Where is Pearls of Australia jewellery made?

Our jewellery is conceptualised, designed, prototyped and hand-crafted in Australia. Our Australian South Sea and Akoya pearls are hand fitted to every piece of jewellery we produce in our Perth jewellery workshop.

Does Pearls of Australia make custom or bespoke jewellery designs?

At this stage, we only produce designs unique to Pearls of Australia. Therefore we do not offer custom or bespoke jewellery designs.

We do offer made to order jewellery, which is different to custom and/or bespoke jewellery.

Does Pearls of Australia craft Made to Order jewellery?

We most certainly do! Our online range of made to order jewellery pieces are made just for you. Choose from a wider selection of gold, and ring sizes to personalise your own heirloom perfect for you or a loved one.

Order your tailor made item by selecting your ring size and preferred gold type on the product page of a made to order item.

How does Made to Order jewellery work?

Our team of skilled artisans hand craft your made to order jewelley item at our Perth workshop, in Western Australia. Please keep in mind that made to order items typically take up to 3 weeks to be made.

Once your stunning made to order piece has been crafted, we will ship your jewellery and you will be notified of it’s tracking number. All Pearls of Australia jewellery orders are insured when shipped, and require signature upon delivery. This ensures your precious piece arrives safe and secure.

Can I cancel or change my Made to Order jewellery piece?

Please note that any made to order jewellery cannot be returned due to change of mind after delivery, nor cancelled once ordered. The full purchase price must be paid at time of order and is non-refundable.

What is pearl grading?

When grading pearls, the following values are considered: Lustre, Complexion, Shape, Size, Colour. These values determine the “grade” of the pearl, and ranks pearls from A1, A2, A3, B1 & B2, with A1 being the highest.

Use our pearl grading guide to assist in your selection process. To learn more about choosing your pearl visit here.

Are Pearls of Australia jewellery pieces available online?

Pearls of Australia website features an extensive range of jewellery online; however a more extensive range can be viewed at any of our boutiques or at an online consultation with one of our incredible team members.

Am I able to see a Pearls of Australia jewellery item in person?

Our pearl jewellery is available for viewing at your nearest Pearls of Australia boutique, our Subiaco studio and office and some authorised stockists. You can also arrange a private in-person consultation at our Perth studio.

Am I able to purchase an online gift certificate?

To make a purchase for an online gift certificate on the Pearls of Australia website, simply select the product, and click ‘Add to Cart’.

The cart icon on the top right of the screen will update to display the product selected. You can elect to complete your purchase, by clicking this icon and proceeding to the checkout by clicking ‘Checkout’ or continue shopping to add more items to your cart.

Once you proceed to ‘Checkout’, there are simple prompts to guide you through the purchase process. You will be required to enter both your Shipping & Payment information & agree to the Terms & Conditions of our online store. If you have any issues or require further guidance with this process, please contact Customer Care.

Gift Cards are valid for 3 years (36 months) from the date of purchase.

OUR SIZING

How do I find my ring size?

We recommend visiting your nearest Pearls of Australia boutique, or local jeweller to have your ring size accurately measured. Alternatively, use our sizing guide to assist in selecting the correct ring size.

Am I able to resize my Pearls of Australia ring?

In most cases it is possible to have your yellow, rose or white gold ring resized at a cost. Please contact our customer care team to learn more about ring resizing.

When ordering a Pearls of Australia ring, please bear in mind that we are unable to exchange or provide a refund for a ring that has been altered from its original size from an external jeweller. If you find that you have ordered the wrong size online, it is possible to have your ring resized.

We do not resize sterling silver rings, and some of our ring designs do have design limitations in their resizing capabilities. To learn more about this, please contact us at hello@pearlsofaustralia.com.au.

How do I know what size to choose?

We have created a dedicated size guide for all our pearl jewellery, from rings, to necklaces, to the difference in sizes between our Akoya and South Sea pearls. You can read all about it here.

PRODUCT CARE

How do I care for my Pearls of Australia jewellery?

Here are some tips to care for your pearls:

Avoid spraying perfume, hairspray, make-up or other chemicals on your pearl jewellery.

Wash your pearls in fresh water and pat dry with a soft cloth. You don’t need to use any soap or detergents. Prolonged exposure to saltwater can affect your pearl’s shine.

Our gift boxes are not suitable for long term storage. Humidity and other factors can cause jewellery to tarnish over time.

Store your pearls separate from other jewellery or abrasive surfaces to avoid scratching.

Wear your pearls, they will soak up your skin’s natural oils and stay shiny for years to come.

For a more in-depth guide visit our Product Care page to learn more.

How do I organise a repair or strand restringing?

To organise a repair or restringing of items purchased please contact us or visit your nearest Pearls of Australia boutique and we will assist you with this process.

Unless otherwise stated, the standard time frame for a Pearls of Australia repair or restring is 5-10 business days.

What is rhodium plating?

White gold and sterling silver jewellery is electroplated with rhodium, which may wear off with frequent use and require reapplication to restore it’s bright finish.

We offer rhodium re-plating at a cost.

Do you offer a cleaning service?

Yes. To keep your jewellery in excellent condition we offer a complimentary cleaning service for select items. Please drop your items into any Pearls of Australia location or contact us to learn if your item incudes a cleaning service, and how to arrange your jewellery to be cleaned.

ORDERS

What online payment options do you accept?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Afterpay and PayPal payment options using a secure gateway. If you would like us to process your payment over the phone, please contact us.

Am I able to pay with Afterpay?

Yes, we offer Afterpay as a payment option for orders up to the value of $2000.

I need my order urgently. Can Pearls of Australia get it to me sooner?

Orders will be dispatched within 2 business days, unless otherwise stated. Although we cannot make any guarantees, if you need your order urgently, please contact us and we will do our best to fulfil your order as soon as possible. Please note Made to Order items can take a longer period of time to reach you due to the custom nature of each piece.

Does Pearls of Australia offer complimentary gift wrapping?

Yes. We offer complimentary gift wrapping on all orders.

I wish to purchase Pearls of Australia jewellery. How can I do this?

Our pearl jewellery is available in all Pearls of Australia boutiques, our Perth Studio and some authorised stockists. You can also arrange to purchase these items online or over the phone by contacting us. If you wish to see any of our pearl jewellery in person, you can arrange a private online and in-person consultation at one of our locations by booking here.

SHIPPING

Where does Pearls of Australia ship?

We ship both internationally and nationally. Free registered express shipping is applicable for orders over $200 within Australia. A flat rate of $15 AUD applies for registered shipping within Australia, and any orders under $200.

A flat rate of $50 AUD applies for international orders under $2000 to the following countries: Africa, Asia, Europe, South Africa, China, Hong Kong, Iraq, and Japan.

A flat rate of $150 AUD applied for international orders over $2000 to the following countries: Africa, Asia, Europe, South Africa, China, Hong Kong, Iraq, and Japan.

If you are located outside of these countries, please contact our team to place your order.

Learn more about our shipping here.

When will my Pearls of Australia order be shipped?

Australian orders are dispatched within 2 business days, unless the item ordered needs to be resized or altered. Please allow up to 6 business days for your order to be delivered.

International orders are dispatched within 3 to 7 days. Please allow 10 to 25 business days for your order to be delivered.

Once your item has been dispatched, we will notify you via email with your tracking number. Please check your spam/junk mail folders for order confirmations and tracking information.

When will my Made to Order piece be shipped?

Due to the custom nature of our made to order items, they will take longer to dispatch than our other items available on our website.

This process typically involves at minimum a 3 week turn around and an additional 5 working days to be shipped.

International orders are crafted within a minimum of 3 weeks. Please allow 10 to 25 business days for your order to be delivered.

Once your item has been dispatched, we will notify you via email with your tracking number. Please check your spam/junk mail folders for order confirmations and tracking information.

Will I need to pay custom duties and taxes on my Pearls of Australia item?

All international purchases are exempt from Australian taxes. The listed RRP price does not include overseas custom duties or taxes, please refer to your local customs office for specific information. Costs and liabilities relating importation and any subsequent duties, taxes and customs clearance fees are the responsibility of the customer.

How do I track my Pearls of Australia order?

Your shipping confirmation email will advise you of your parcel’s tracking number. To check the status of your Australian shipment, simply click on the link provided by Auspost and enter your tracking number. Shipments to the USA or UK are sent via FedEx. Shipments sent to countries outside of these regions are handled via third party couriers, but all shipments may be tracked on the respective courier’s online tracking service.

My Pearls of Australia order hasn't arrived, what should I do?

Please review our shipping information, if your order has not arrived within our estimated delivery times, please contact us.

Why is my Pearls of Australia Made to Order item delayed?

Due to the custom nature of our made to order items, all time frames are an estimate and subject to change.

How does Pearls of Australia ship my jewellery securely?

All domestic and international orders are fully insured when posted and require a signature upon delivery.

How does shipping work for repairs, replacements or returns?

Costs and liabilities relating to the return shipping of exchange items are the responsibility of the customer unless Pearls of Australia has made an error. This means we will not refund or reimburse any costs incurred by you to return the items to us, including any shipping or insurance charges, unless the item is deemed faulty by our Quality Control Assessment. If the item is deemed faulty, then Pearls of Australia will pay for the return of the product to the customer.

Please read below to learn more about our policy on returns, and our warranty policy.

RETURNS

What is your policy on returns?

At the discretion of Pearl’s of Australia, we can accept items for an exchange, refund or credit note if returned within 28 days of the original purchase date. We do not offer change of mind returns.

If the item you have received is defective, please notify Pearls of Australia promptly and return the item. Pearls of Australia will, for any products deemed defective by Pearls of Australia, provide a full refund. The provisions set forth herein do not limit any applicable statutory rights.

If you have received an incorrect item, or an item that does not match the description of what was ordered, Pearls of Australia are able to replace it with the correct item or issue a refund subject to the item meeting the Quality Control Assessment and availability.

When ordering a Pearls of Australia ring, please bear in mind that we are unable to exchange or provide a refund for a ring that has been altered from its original size from an external jeweller. If you find that you have ordered the wrong ring size online, it is possible to have your ring resized at a cost if you have ordered a 9ct or 18ct gold ring. Ring resizing is not applicable for sterling silver pieces nor all ring designs.

Costs and liabilities relating to the return shipping of exchange items are the responsibility of the customer unless Pearls of Australia has made an error. This means we will not refund or reimburse any costs incurred by you to return the items to us, including any shipping or insurance charges, unless the item is deemed faulty by our Quality Control Assessment.

Please note: Returns or refunds are not applicable to free gifts.

Can I return a Made to Order item?

Due to the custom nature of our made to order items, you cannot return your made to order product due to change of mind.

How do you assess and process returns?

All returns are subject to inspection and assessment by our Perth Studio. Returns and refunds will be made subject to any applicable Consumer Law and Pearls of Australia’s Terms and Conditions of purchase.

Any refund, repair or replacement (if and as applicable) will be made to you within a reasonable amount of time. To learn more about this, please see our Warranty guideline below.

What is your change of mind policy?

Pearls of Australia do not accept change of mind returns or cancellations, unless there is special circumstance. Please contact us at hello@pearlsofaustralia.com.au to learn more.

If for any reason you change you mind about any eligible purchase, and we grant a change of mind return or cancellation, we will refund your order provided:

the item is retuned to us within 28 days of purchase (or within 28 days of delivery in the case of online orders)
the item is in As New Condition and accompanied by:

As New Condition means that the item must not have been worn; the item is in pristine condition with no damage, scratches or signs of wear. Determination of an item matching this definition is at the sole discretion of Pearls of Australia.

WARRANTY

What is your warranty policy?

All Pearls of Australia jewellery is created with the utmost care and attention to detail to ensure the highest level of quality of each piece. We are passionate about creating high quality jewellery which, when cared for properly, can be passed down through generations.

Pearls of Australia offers a warranty against defects in material and/or workmanship on all of the products that we sell. The length and terms of this warranty is variable between materials and product types, please refer to the items listed below as a guideline.

We recommend having your jewellery serviced regularly by our Pearls of Australia Jeweller to maintain the life of your item. General wear and tear or damage from trauma is not covered by our manufacturer’s warranty. We encourage you to look after your jewellery. If any repairs are done by external jewellers your warranty is void.

You can visit us in store or send your repairs to Pearls of Australia (Tenancy 7, Level 3, 1b Hood Street, Subiaco) at your own cost. When we send it back to you with our courier provider it will be covered by our insurance policy.

If you believe the goods to be faulty after wearing them, the item can be sent back for appraisal. You must adhere to all care instructions or we will not honour a refund if the item has been damaged due to negligence on your part.

You must notify us of your intention to return the faulty item. You can do this by emailing hello@pearlsofaustralia.com.au where the returns procedure will take effect.