The pristine environment of the South Seas is home to the world's largest and rarest pearl oyster, Pinctada Maxima, the mother of the South Sea pearl. This oyster is rarely found in nature, and its pearl is rarer still.

To protect its delicate body, the Pinctada Maxima coats the interior of its shell with layers of "nacre" or mother of pearl. A pearl is formed when a nucleus is introduced into the shell, and the oyster coats it with layers of this opalescent material to create the giant pearls we find so alluring.

While the Pinctada Maxima produces the finest quality cultured pearls, it is extremely difficult to grow.

Shop our entire collection of beautiful South Sea pearls