Australian south sea pearls

A 26mm baroque Australian South Sea pearl and a single lot of clean, round Australian South Sea pearls were among the standout lots at the 57th Paspaley Pearl Auction in Hong Kong last March. The 26mm pearl sold for ¥2.7 million (about $25,000) on the first day of the auction and the lot of clean, round pearls fetched more than ¥20 million (about $183,000), according to Paspaley Pearling Company. The three-day auction, held on the sidelines of the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, featured 408 lots, 307 of which were sold. Sixty-nine buyers placed winning bids. These successful customers were mostly from Japan, Hong Kong and China.

 

“We were pleased with the result. Total sales were just over ¥976 million (about $8.87 million), which was in line with expectations. The top three buyers were from Hong Kong and China, highlighting the continuing importance of this market,” said Peter Bracher, executive director of Paspaley Pearling Company.

 

Each auction attendee received a complimentary copy of Secret Life of Pearls, an hour-long documentary created by Paspaley, which is premiering on the National Geographic Channel globally throughout 2016. The documentary provides a rare insight into the Australian pearling industry, showcasing the adventure, mystery and beauty behind one of the world’s most valuable gems.

 

The next Paspaley auction will be held in Hong Kong in June, immediately prior to the June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.