AUTORE PEARLS: A LEGACY OF BEAUTY FROM OCEAN TO ATELIER - JULY 2025 NEWS

Pearls: From Myth to Mastery

At AUTORE, every design begins with deep respect for the pearl’s extraordinary journey - a story rooted in myth, innovation, and the pristine waters of northern Australia.

Once called “children of light” by the Persians and believed by the Chinese to hold the moon’s glow, pearls have captivated cultures for millennia. From ancient temples to the regal courts of Queen Elizabeth I, they symbolised purity, power, and prestige. But their rarity also brought risk. By the early 20th century, overfishing and pollution had pushed natural pearls to near extinction.

(Portrait of Elizabeth I of England Wearing Pearls, the Armada Portrait. c.1588. Image Source: Oxford University)

The future of the gem was transformed by Japanese innovator Kokichi Mikimoto, who pioneered the art of pearl cultivation. His breakthrough laid the foundation for modern pearl farming and ultimately, for AUTORE’s legacy.

(Kokichi Mikimoto. Image Source: Mikimoto)

In the 1960s, the untamed shores of Broome became the birthplace of Australia’s first commercial pearl farm. There, the oversized Pinctada maxima oyster produced pearls of remarkable size and beauty, establishing Australia as the global leader in South Sea pearls.

Today, AUTORE carries this legacy forward, creating exceptional jewellery that celebrates the world’s most revered gem and its rich, ocean-born history.

The South Sea Pearl: A Gift Of The Sea

AUTORE is globally renowned for its mastery of the South Sea pearl - an organic gemstone revered for its rarity, beauty, and luminous glow.

Formed within the Pinctada maxima oyster over two silent years, the South Sea pearl emerges from some of the world’s most pristine waters, including those off Australia and Indonesia. These pearls are unmatched in size, ranging from 8mm to over 20mm, and are celebrated for their exceptionally thick nacre and soft, radiant lustre. Their natural tones span from pure white to deep gold, each colour shaped by the oyster’s lip and its surrounding environment.

Historically viewed as symbols of fortune, protection, and longevity, South Sea pearls are the largest and most valuable of all cultured pearls, often referred to as the “Queen of Pearls.” Their beauty comes not only from their appearance but from the organic process that forms them, giving each pearl a distinctive inner glow that cannot be replicated.

AUTORE cultivates all of its white and gold South Sea pearls on its own MSC-certified sustainable farms across Broome and Elizabeth Bay in Australia, and in Lombok, Sumbawa and West Java in Indonesia. Each pearl is a gift of nature - rare, radiant, and at the heart of every AUTORE design.

Design at AUTORE: Crafted Around The Pearl

At AUTORE, the design journey begins not with the setting, but with the pearl itself. Under the creative direction of Jane Autore, the brand is internationally recognised for its innovative, award-winning approach to South Sea pearl jewellery - where each design is tailored to highlight the unique beauty of the pearl.

Every piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail and the highest standards of quality. Skilled technicians individually hand-select each pearl, matching its hue, tone, and shape to the finest precious and semi-precious stones. The result is jewellery that is harmonious, balanced, and strikingly original.

With 11 international design awards to its name, AUTORE continues to push the boundaries of modern pearl jewellery - fusing natural elegance with contemporary artistry. In every creation, the pearl is not a finishing touch but rather the soul of the piece.

Explore AUTORE at J Farren-Price

At J Farren-Price Sydney, we invite you to explore a curated collection of AUTORE’s most exceptional creations. Whether you are seeking a statement piece or a meaningful investment, AUTORE pearl jewellery offers an enduring elegance that transcends trends.

Visit us in-store to experience the world of South Sea pearls, reimagined by AUTORE.