MOTHER OF PEARL

Paspaley began diving for mother-of-pearl in Broome in 1935. At that time, the region was the world’s most important source of mother-of-pearl, which was used for objét, accessories, inlay and hand-carved buttons for luxury clothing brands.

Today, Paspaley is the world’s foremost producer of high-quality white mother-of-pearl. Our mother-of-pearl is used in fine jewellery and high-end watch faces for brands such as Rolex and Patek Phillipe.

Since 1935, generations of Paspaley family members have built a collection of priceless mother-of-pearl artefacts sourced from all over the world. The collection includes exceptionally crafted mother-of-pearl carvings, Aboriginal Australian Riji and a range of accessories and tools dating back to the 1900s.

Pinctada maxima shell carving, China, c. 1890

Mother of pearl crucifix, Palestine c 1870’s

Riji, worn by Aboriginal men in northwest Australia, 1900s

Fruit picks, Europe, 1930s

Mother of pearl carving, China, c 1840

Mother of pearl pocket knife and scissor set, Europe, 1930s

Pinctada maxima shell Kina necklace, Papua New Guinea, 1950s

Riji, worn by Aboriginal men in northwest Australia

Mother of pearl razor blade, England, 1920s

Mother of pearl shell carving, China, c 1950

Pinctada maxima shell carving, Japan, 1900s

Mother of pearl cigarette holders, France, 1930s

Pinctada maxima shell carving- Hard Hat Diver

Pinctada maxima shell card holder, Europe, 1930s

Riji, worn by Indigenous men in northwest Australia

Pinctada margaritifera shell carving, Carved in France c. 1870

Pinctada maxima shell fish hooks, Solomon Islands, 1900s

Mixed sets, China, c. 1820