What is a South Sea Pearl?
A pearl is a gift of nature, a truly beautiful work of art. The white South Sea pearl is at the height of its perfection when it is taken from its shell. It is as complete and perfect in its own way as an exquisite work of art.
This most special gem is also unique, produced in the waters off the Australian coast by the rarest and largest oysters in the world - the Pinctada Maxima. This shell produces the finest quality white cultured South Sea pearls but it is rare and difficult to grow. Like all oysters the Pinctada Maxima protects its delicate body by coating the interior of their shells with layers of nacre or mother of pearl. So when a spherical neucleus is introduced into the oyster shell, the oyster coats this intruder with the same smooth, lustrous and opalescent material. Layer by layer this protective nacre builds up to create these giant pearls which we find so alluring. A great deal of time and experience as well as tender loving care goes into protecting the oyster and the pure environment it needs to produce this queen of gems - the white South Sea pearl.
Today, as is the case with other natural pearls, the natural South Sea pearl has all but disappeared from the world pearl markets. The vast majority of South Sea pearls available today are cultivated on pearl farms in the South Seas.
The protection of the shell's natural habitat, and the preservation of the natural pearl stocks has enabled the cultured South Sea pearl to be cultivated under "sustainable resource" conditions. These pearls are as close to the natural pearl as it is possible to be and a gem to treasure for a lifetime and for generations after.
The South Sea pearl is also famous for the variety of unique and desirable shapes often found.
