Australian pearls are primarily known as Australian South Sea Cultured Pearls, grown in the large Pinctada maxima oyster in Northern Australia, prized for their large size, thick nacre, and lustrous colors (whites, silvers, golds). Australia also produces smaller Akoya Pearls from the Pinctada fucata oyster, known for classic white/cream tones, and unique dome-shaped Mabe Pearls, notes regentpearls.com.au.
Our Australian South Sea pearls are among the finest quality pearls grown in the world. Beyond their stunning beauty and rarity, these pearls play a vital role in restoring and maintaining the health of our pristine Australian marine environment.
Choosing between Australian Akoya vs. South Sea pearls come down to personal preference: Akoya pearls are smaller, typically more symmetrical, and have a greater variety of colours. South Sea pearls are larger, and can make for a more statement piece when featured in unique jewellery designs.
The best pearls in Australia are the highly prized Australian South Sea Pearls, known for their large size, thick nacre, and magnificent luster, cultured from the rare Pinctada maxima oyster in the pristine waters of Western Australia, with top producers including brands like Kailis Jewellery, Paspaley, Pearls of Australia, and Willie Creek Pearls. These pearls are considered among the finest globally, with some farms also producing unique Akoya and Keshi pearls, offering exceptional quality and environmental benefits.
Saltwater Pearls
This category includes three of the most luxurious and well-known pearl types: Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls. Akoya pearls are produced by Akoya pearl oysters (Pinctada fucata), which are renowned for creating high-quality, round pearls with exceptional lustre.
South Sea pearls, grown in Australia, the Philippines, and Indonesia, are prized for their large sizes and glowing, satiny luster, often fetching premium prices. These pearls are considered the pinnacle of sophistication and elegance in the pearl world, and are known as the "Queen of Cultured Pearls".
It was Jackie Kennedy who said 'pearls are always appropriate,' meaning that they suit all occasions and all outfits. Indeed pearls are still worn by many brides on their wedding days and feature in most jewellers' windows today.
The most revered and highly prized pearl in the world, The Australian South Sea Pearl is cultured in the Pinctada maxima oyster in the pristine coastal waters of Australia's Northwest.
The most expensive pearl colors are often deep, rich hues like Golden South Sea (especially 24k deep gold), rare Peacock Tahitian (dark green/blue/purple overtones), and intensely pink or pink-overtoned White South Sea pearls, with value heavily depending on rarity, luster, size, and lack of blemishes, rather than just the base color itself. While white and black are common, specific, saturated, and rare overtones within these categories command the highest prices.
Certified Hanadama Akoya pearls are the finest Akoya pearls available; there is no grade above Hanadama, and there are no “levels” within the Hanadama grade. They are all top-notch. Mikimoto, by contrast, offers four different grades of Akoya pearls, with A being the lowest and AAA being the best.
Look at how the pearl reacts under ultraviolet light UV. If it emits a fluorescent glow, it's likely cultured. No matter what kind of pearl jewelry you own or hope to buy, make sure you protect your investment by obtaining personal jewelry insurance through Jewelers Mutual.
Broome: 'the pearling capital of the world'
In the 1880s pearlers turned their sights to Roebuck Bay (Broome) in the West Kimberley. By 1910 Broome was the largest pearling centre in the world, benefitting from newly introduced diving suits, fertile waters and a booming international pearl button market.
Harvesting cultured pearls often kills the oyster, as many farms kill the animals after the first harvest for their meat and shell, though some try to recycle them for multiple harvests, while wild pearl harvesting kills thousands of oysters for just a few pearls. While some techniques allow oysters to survive and produce more pearls, especially with skilled intervention, the overall industry often involves stress, harm, and eventual death for most mollusks.
At Costco, we take pride in the fact that our pearl jewelry meets the industry's highest quality standards. Our process ensures our pearls have good luster, shape, color and no obvious blemishes, and that the size of the pearls match where applicable.
The AAA-A System
This grading system ranks pearls from AAA to A, with AAA being the highest. A: Lower luster and defects on more than 25 percent of the surface.
Truly ethical pearls are either sustainably farmed or vintage, ensuring that their harvesting doesn't harm marine ecosystems or exploit workers. Responsible pearl farming focuses on maintaining clean, healthy waters and often supports local communities by providing fair wages and safe working conditions.
Mikimoto grades their pearls: A, A+, AA and AAA Quality, which is their highest/best pearl grade. Their AAA Quality Akoya are so rare, and so expensive, that there are only one or two strands produced each year.
The type of pearl significantly impacts its price. South Sea and Tahitian pearl are the most expensive since they are rare and of great grade. Akoya pearl, known for their perfect round shape and outstanding beauty, are next. Freshwater pearl are the cheapest since they are wide in variety.
Recommended Pairings: The Silver overtone is really versatile, and looks beautiful with both white gold and yellow gold accents. White gold will generally enhance the pearl's “cool” undertones, helping them appear brighter and whiter. Yellow gold creates a nice, elegant contrast – a very classic pearl look.
The best pearls in Australia are the highly prized Australian South Sea Pearls, known for their large size, thick nacre, and magnificent luster, cultured from the rare Pinctada maxima oyster in the pristine waters of Western Australia, with top producers including brands like Kailis Jewellery, Paspaley, Pearls of Australia, and Willie Creek Pearls. These pearls are considered among the finest globally, with some farms also producing unique Akoya and Keshi pearls, offering exceptional quality and environmental benefits.
Australia is home to the world's highest quality, precious opal. The most famous is black opal from Lightning Ridge in New South Wales. Black opal has a colour play of red, green, blue, violet, magenta or yellow against a dark background.
"Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy, Oi, Oi, Oi!" is a popular Australian sports chant, a variation of the British "Oggy, Oggy, Oggy" cheer, used to express national pride and support for Australian teams, with "Ozzy" being slang for "Australian" and "Oi, Oi, Oi" a general interjection for enthusiasm or attention, much like "USA!". The chant involves one group shouting "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!" and the crowd responding "Oi, Oi, Oi!".
Diana's love for pearls started early in her life. While her school friends often wore diamond studs, the future princess usually chose pearls. At the age of 15, Lady Diana Spencer was first seen wearing a pair of simple pearl earrings; she wore them as a bridesmaid at her sister's wedding.
People with strong or negative Mars, Saturn, or Rahu in their horoscope should avoid wearing pearls. Pearl also doesn't go well with gemstones like Gomed (Hessonite), Lehsunia (Cat's Eye), or Neelam (Blue Sapphire). If you're unsure, always get your horoscope checked before wearing a pearl stone.
Christopher Anderson: These Few Precious Days: The Final Year of Jack with Jackie. Mirror: “As John F Kennedy lay dying Jackie whispered – I love you Jack, I love you”