Hatchery and Rearing
The pearl process begins by the rearing of baby shell in the hatchery. The best  pearl shells are gathered over 12 months and stored at different locations from Abrolhos Islands, 200km south to Karratha and 1000km north of Monkey Mia. We transport these shells from their remote locations by sea plane to the farm at Monkey Mia for breeding. Once bred, the shell's eggs are collected and placed into tanks where the baby shells hatch 24 hours later. At birth, the shell is 30 microns in size. The shells are held in the hatchery to grow and then placed onto the lines on the farm at 3mm in size. The long lines the shells are on are continually cleaned and segregated for three years until the shells are large enough for seeding.

Seeding
When the polished, solid opal is received they are then set onto specially designed bases which give shape to the pearl through its growing process. The opal is then implanted into the shell by highly skilled seeders on the floating laboratory .The shell then goes into recovery tanks until they are ready to go out to the farms' long lines.

Growing the Pearl
The farm checks and cleans the shell every ten days for over a year until the shell has covered the opal completely with its nacre. There is a high risk factor in this operation. Cyclones on the West Australia coast can be very dangerous. Monkey Mia is located at the lower end of the cyclone belt and the cooler waters reduce the velocities of late storms. The other constant threat to the creation of the gems comes from giant Loggerhead Turtles!  turtles eat the pearls and with them, the opals. A small percentage of all shells seeded are eaten and the opals go with them.

Harvest
All the shells are brought into the laboratory where they are individually checked by the seeders.  If ready, the shell is harvested and given to skilled opal cutters to polish and reveal the beauty of the unique gem.

Opal InPearl
We produce a range of "Opals In Pearl" in various colours and carats. Current examples include solid opals from 1carat to 22carat, each uniquely surrounded by opulent pearl.
Contact us at ashley@inpearljewels.com and see Photo Gallery to view our current stock list.

Gold InPearl
We have extended the InPearl range to include "Gold In Pearl".  Limited stocks exist so please contact us to obtain the latest stock list for Gold InPearl.

Set Jewelry
Are you looking for a naturally unique jewelry piece? Contact us to locate a designer near you.

Natural Materials
For the ultimate in design freedom, InPearl Jewels offers designers the raw InPearl Gems. This enables you full creative freedom for your own creations. Contact us now to get information on the next arrivals!