Photo courtesy of Hugh Edwards

PINCTADA MAXIMA

The famous Australian Pinctada Maxima pearl oyster produces some the finest and most beautiful pearls in the world. The Pinctada Maxima grows in Roebuck Bay and the banks of Eighty Mile Beach and was first discovered in 1861 by the crew of the 'Dolphin' at Nickel Bay. The size of the shell is huge in comparison to any other shell available and caused a sensation in European and American markets when it first appeared. The average size of the shell is six to twelve inches. These giant North West pearl oyster develop a silver shine on their nacre and look truly magnificent.