TWO Manning oysterfarmers are helping to put the NSW Central Coast on the pearl industry map, changing the face of the Australian industry by successfully cultivating pearls in the waters of Broken Bay.
Ian Crisp and Peter Clift joined forces in 2005 with fellow oysterfarmers, Roger Clarke and Denis Paterson, and have just harvested their fourth crop in Brisbane Water, collecting up to 20,000 pearls over seven days.
Their venture is significant in the fact that the Australian cultured pearl industry has until now been predominantly located in Western Australia (centred on Broome) and the Northern Territory.
While still a relatively small producer, Broken Bay Pearls is the only company cultivating pearls in NSW and Mr Crisp believes this is due to the pristine environment in Broken Bay.
Broken Pay pearls take about four years to produce, from oyster spat obtained from the Fisheries Research Station at Port Stephens. Seeding takes place at two years and then it takes a further two years for the pearls to grow.
Featured in a recent article in the Newcastle Herald, Mr Crisp, who cultivates oysters in several parts of the Manning River, said site selection was critical for pearl production.
"You need high water quality and a catchment not affected too much by fresh water to succeed," he said.
The Broken Bay operation is now producing world-class Akoya pearls with natural colours and superior lustre to that of many imported Akoya pearls from Asia, which have been bleached or artificially coloured.
The company has secured leading Australian jewellers Percy Marks as its national wholesaler and sells in jewellery stores in most capital cities with the vision to eventually expand overseas.
Full Article: http://www.manningrivertimes.com.au...o-pearling-industry-breakthrough/2234835.aspx
