South Sea Pearl
Reviewed by David van Niekerk FGAA — Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Australia, qualified valuer.
South Sea pearls are among the largest and most lustrous pearls in the world, and Australia grows some of the finest. Their glow comes from layer upon layer of nacre, built up by the oyster around the pearl.
Left: illustration. Right: South Sea pearl studs from our collection.
What a South Sea pearl is
A South Sea pearl is a cultured pearl grown in Pinctada maxima, the largest of the pearl oysters, found in the warm seas from northern Australia to South-East Asia. A pearl farmer places a small bead inside the oyster, which coats it in nacre, the same material as the shell's lustrous lining. Because the oyster is so large, so are its pearls.
The silver-lipped oyster gives white to silver pearls, sometimes with a pink, blue or green overtone; the gold-lipped oyster gives yellow to golden pearls. Australia is the world's largest producer of the white and silver.
Natural pearls, formed with no help from a farmer, are now extremely rare. Pearls sold today, including ours, are cultured, and we always say so.
Where it comes from
Australia is the world's largest producer of South Sea cultured pearls, farmed in the warm waters of the north.
What to look for
- Lustre: a deep, soft glow that reflects light from within. The most important quality.
- Size: South Sea pearls range from about 8 to 20 mm, averaging around 13 mm.
- Shape: round is the rarest; drop, oval, button and baroque shapes each have their own appeal.
- Surface: fewer marks is better, though a natural pearl surface is rarely perfect.
- Colour: white, silver, cream or gold — choose what flatters the wearer.
Wearing and care
Pearls are soft and react to chemicals. Put them on after perfume and make-up, and take them off before swimming or exercise. Wipe with a soft cloth after wearing, and never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners. More: Types of pearl · How to care for pearls.
See South Sea pearls in the shop
Visit our boutique at Opera Quays, beside the Opera House, or browse our pearls online.