Australian pearls: the Treasure of the East Coast

As you may know, I have a deep love for Australian-grown pearls — and luminous Akoya pearl is special among them. Recently, I had visited Broken Bay Pearl Farm, where I immersed myself in the world of pearl farming on a private tour — and left with more inspiration than I could have imagined.

The Akoya Secret of Broken Bay

When most people think of Akoya pearls, they think of Japan. Traditionally considered the queen of pearls, Akoya is renowned for its high lustre and delicate, tightly layered nacre — the substance that gives pearls their ethereal glow. But here’s something few people know: the Akoya oyster is native to Australia’s east coast. In fact, genetic testing of locally farmed oysters confirmed they are identical to the Japanese Akoya species.

This discovery rewrites the narrative. Not only can Akoya pearls thrive in Australian waters — they might actually belong here.

What makes the Akoya pearls from Broken Bay so special isn’t just the oyster — it’s the entire ecosystem. These Akoya oysters grow side-by-side with the iconic Sydney Rock Oyster, both feeding on the same nutrient-rich marine plants in calm, tidal estuaries. The two species co-exist, naturally purifying the water and maintaining an environment. Broken Bay’s farming methods are environmentally conscious by design: there are no synthetic feeds, no chemical interference. The oysters are hand-turned, carefully monitored, and allowed to grow slowly — the way nature intended. This slow-grown beauty is something I deeply connect with, both as a jeweller and as a human being. It reminds me that the most beautiful things are often the most patiently made.

Unlike many farmed pearls in Asia, Broken Bay Akoya pearls are not bleached or artificially coloured. Their colours are natural — ranging from warm cream and soft white to silver-blue and blush. I was fortunate to attend a pearl grading workshop with Japanese experts a few years ago, where I learned just how rare this kind of untreated lustre is.

Inspiration

I stood on the dock, holding a few freshly harvested pearls still glistening with seawater. These pearls carry a story: of water, time, care, and place. That’s the kind of story I want my jewellery to tell.

While I’m crafting new pieces inspired by the Broken Bay visit, here are some of my current designs that feature these stunning Akoya pearls:

• Double Blessing Earrings – A symbol of shared abundance, featuring two luminous Akoya pearls suspended in sculptural titanium.

• Eternity Earrings and Necklace – duality in harmony, both pieces feature matching Akoya Twins pearls.

• Apples of Eve Earrings – A sensual interpretation of origin and temptation, where pearls evoke fruit, femininity, and earth-born beauty.

Follow me on Instagram @jane_juwelry to see behind-the-scenes moments and previews of upcoming pearl creations — some of which are already taking shape.