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Australia is the world’s major producer of white South Sea pearls, for during the 1998 season the tropical waters off northern Australia yielded ~ 60 per cent of total world production of these much desired and very valuable bead-nucleated cultured pearls.
White South Sea pearls are large (>10 mm diameter) rounded, lustrous, white, silvery, cream, or golden pearls that are cultivated by man in the gold- and silver-lipped pearl oyster (Pinctada maxima) that is indigenous to the off-shore waters of northern Australia. Other white South Sea pearls produced by the Australian pearling industry include ‘accidental’ whole baroque keshi pearls, and cultured bead nucleated half pearls that are commonly termed mabés.
The white South Sea pearl is a comparative newcomer to Australia’s pearling industry, for the history of this primary industry stretches back for well over a century to the time when Australia was one of the major supplier of natural pearls to European and American markets. |
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 The Product
Australia is the world’s largest producer of white South Sea pearls — that is, bead nucleated cultured pearls of more than 10 mm diameter that have been grown in the gold- or silver-lip pearl oyster Pinctada maxima.
Australian white South Sea pearls have an average diameter of 12-14 mm, however diameters may range from 10 to an exceptional 20 mm. While the less than 8 mm diameter Japanese akoya cultured pearls may have a coating of nacre of ~0.4 mm thickness, an average 15 mm Australian South Sea pearl has nacre thickness of 4 mm - and a superior lustre and orient to match.
Australian production of 415 kan in 1998 represented 65 per cent of world production. This production was based on an annual government-controlled quota of 577,000 wild shells, and part of the quota of 350,000 hatchery-bred shells. Sixteen companies, most from Western Australia, operate pearl farms.
Other essential products of Australia’s white South Sea cultured pearl industry include half-pearls up to 25 mm diameter, that are available in a range of shapes, and an intriguing range of designer-ready baroque accidents — termed keshi pearls in the trade. |
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