Pearl Cycle (supplied by Paspaley Pearling Company)

Why are Paspaley South Sea cultured pearls so rare? A closer look at the pearl cycle reveals the answer.

1. Diving Operations

Divers face the dangers of the depths to gather the wild shells just as they have done for centuries.  Today, Paspaley divers are strictly monitored under Australia’s sustainable resource management system.  Government imposed quotas limit the number of shells which can be taken from the wild – each shell in essence receiving its own licence number.

2. Seeding Operations

The unique skills of the technical team have a direct impact on the pearls produced, as planting the nucleus is a highly complex operation.  Today’s results are testament to the decades of research and experience of Paspaley’s South Sea pearl technicians and their commitment to perfection.

3. Husbandry

Teams of dedicated pearl farmers nurture each shell throughout its entire lifecycle at the farms. An intense process in some of the most remote regions of northern Australia.

4. Logistics

The pearl farmers are supported by a significant infrastructure involving a ‘cast of thousands’ from seaplanes to kitchens.

5. Research & Development

Paspaley invests heavily in research and development which has led to major improvements in pearl farming technology, and continues ongoing capital investment to increase quality – not quantity.

6. Harvest

A fine Paspaley South Sea pearl is the culmination of many years of intensive work from teams of dedicated people. The largest Paspaley pearls demand six years of unswerving care in the shell as they ready for harvest.

7. Sorting & Grading

Each Paspaley South Sea pearl is individually sorted according to Paspaley’s unique grading and classification system, ensuring supply of consistent quality to Paspaley’s clients.

8. Design

The ultimate reward from the culturing process is the creation of the perfectly matched strand. Paspaley experts dedicate their time to create pieces that capture the imagination of today’s connoisseurs.