The Beginning: Life in the Hatchery 

Unlike some pearl producers, Atlas Pearls is proudly non-extractive. Instead of sourcing oysters from the wild, we cultivate them in our own hatcheries. This allows us to nurture strong, healthy oysters right from the start, selecting for resilience and vitality qualities that ultimately produce the highest quality pearls. 

Spawning begins in a specially controlled environment that mimics natural cues like seasonal water changes. Once fertilised, the tiny larvae grow into spat, anchoring themselves with fine threads to collector nets. Fed with nutrient-rich phytoplankton (grown in-house), these baby oysters gain the strength they need before being transferred to the sea. By around five weeks of age, they are ready to leave the hatchery and continue their journey at sea. 

Growing Strong in the Ocean 

From the hatchery, the young oysters are moved to our farms across the Indonesian archipelago. Here, they are carefully tended as they grow progressing through a series of nets that give them more space as they mature. During this time, they are regularly cleaned, checked, and protected from parasites and predators. 

It takes up to two years for a juvenile oyster to reach maturity. By this time, each oyster measures around 12–15 cm the perfect size to be seeded with a tiny nucleus that will eventually form a pearl.  

Each oyster is also a natural ocean hero. As filter feeders, they purify up to 150 litres of seawater a day, helping to keep marine ecosystems healthy while quietly preparing for their starring role in pearl production. 

The Making of a Pearl 

When an oyster reaches maturity, a tiny bead nucleus is carefully placed inside. Over the next additional two years, the oyster works its magic, coating the nucleus with microscopic layers of nacre. This natural process determines the pearl’s size, shape, lustre, and complexion. South Sea pearls are renowned as the largest of all pearls, typically ranging from 8mm to an impressive 20mm, with some extraordinary pearls growing even larger.  

Harvest: The Moment of Truth 

After four years, the oysters are ready to be harvested. Each one is gently opened to reveal a treasure that has been years in the making. Some pearls are perfectly round, others are baroque or uniquely shaped each one a natural work of art. Atlas Pearls harvests more than 600,000 pearls annually, sending them to our Bali headquarters for sorting, and grading. 

Unlike diamonds, pearl grading isn’t universal. That’s why Atlas Pearls prides itself on transparent, consistent standards that ensure our customers feel confident in their purchases. Every pearl is assessed for size, shape, colour, complexion, and lustre, with only the finest selected for our jewellery collections. 

Beyond the Pearl 

The journey doesn’t end at harvest. Oysters that produce exceptional pearls may be reseeded for another cycle. Others continue their contribution in new ways their meat is shared, and their beautiful mother-of-pearl shells are repurposed. Nothing goes to waste, reflecting our ethos of sustainability and respect for nature. 

A Treasure from Sea to Jewellery 

From hatchery to harvest, every Atlas pearl is a testament to patience, precision, and passion. It’s a journey that can take up to four years, guided by our commitment to sustainability and excellence. By the time it reaches our showrooms and becomes part of a treasured jewellery piece, each pearl has lived a remarkable story in the waters of Indones