Australia has long been a major producer of quality pearls. Most of its products have been sold to Japan where they are remarketed as Japanese pearls. As a consequence, the Australian industry has suffered from an undeserved low profile.

            In response to this and to the international growth of the Australian pearl market, the South Sea Pearl Consortium was created.

            The South Sea Pearl Consortium is a non-profit trade association whose objective is to increase awareness of Australian South Sea pearls internationally by strengthening relationships with producers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers.

            The South Sea Pearl Consortium is the only trade organization exclusively committed to the development of the South Sea pearl industry.

            The consortium’s prime objective is to educate and inform the public about the South Sea Pearl. They will market the pearl in a contemporary manner with the aim of bringing it to the forefront of fashion.

            “Broadening our consumer base will be a long term strategy,” says Carr. “We will look at interpreting traditional pearl markets in a more lateral, contemporary way, as well as targeting entirely new demographics.”

Presently the consortium is targeting three regions-Japan, Hong Kong and the USA. The European region is currently also being considered.