Why it takes 4 years to Create a Single South Sea Pearl
Discover the remarkable four-year journey behind every South Sea pearl, where nature, patience, and expert care create one of the world’s most extraordinary natural gems.
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This International Women’s Day we are recognising the role gender equality plays in building strong, resilient organisations and communities. Equitable access to opportunity, leadership, and professional growth is fundamental to sustainable business and a core sustainability aspect for Atlas Pearls.
When women are supported to develop skills, take on responsibility, and participate fully in the workforce, organisations benefit from broader perspectives and stronger decision-making. Supporting gender equality has wider benefits for families and communities that experience greater stability and long-term well-being as a result.
This year, we are delighted to profile several women who contribute to Atlas Pearls at all levels. Celebrating the diverse paths, experiences, and contributions they bring to our organisation. Their stories highlight how inclusion and opportunity contribute to sustainable outcomes over time.
Ibu Mamik joined PT Cendana Indopearls (Atlas’ trading company in Indonesia) in 2003, beginning her career as a logistics coordinator and gradually taking on roles across retail, office management, and project development. Along the way, Ibu Mamik developed an understanding of Indonesia’s complex business and foreign investment regulations.
In 2017, she was appointed Director of Pt Cendana Indopearls, a role that carries responsibility for regulatory compliance, company stability, and maintaining strong relationships with government and community stakeholders.
For Ibu Mamik, working at Pt Cendana Indopearls represents trust, integrity, and a commitment to carrying responsibility with consistency and care.
Ibu Biru has joined Atlas Pearls after graduating in Korean Language nearly 5 years ogo. She began her career in hospitality, working in hotels and coworking spaces in front office and hosting roles. Those early experiences shaped how she communicates, reads situations, and connects with people, skills that continue to influence her work today.
What drew Ibu Biru to Atlas was the opportunity to grow beyond formal education and be valued for capability and potential.
For Ibu Biru, working at Atlas is meaningful because learning never feels capped. She encourages other women to trust their capability, even in moments of doubt, believing that confidence does not have to be loud to be strong.
Ibu Sanda joined Atlas Pearls in April 2025. Trained as a graphic designer, she began her career at a leading design agency in Jakarta before working with international organisations including IOM, USAID, DFAT, and Australian Awards.
Drawn by the Atlas’ visual style and design approach, she found a role that offered both creative freedom and trust. Over the past year, she has grown in confidence, learning to lead through advice, decision-making, and collaboration.
For Ibu Sanda, working at Atlas Pearls has been a return to purpose and a reminder that confidence can grow when experience, trust, and opportunity come together.
Ibu Fransina completed primary school in her local village of Sailo, West Waigo, before leaving formal education to help support her family through fishing and lobster sales.
When Atlas Pearls announced local job opportunities, she applied and began work on the cleaning boats, learning new skills through hands-on experience.
Her dedication was quickly recognised, and she was offered training as a pearl harvest technician, which she accepted with encouragement from her supervisor.
Today, Ibu Fransina is a skilled technician and the only pearl harvest technician from her village. Proud of her work and its stability for her family, she encourages other women to believe in their ability to learn and grow.
Ibu Desak has worked at Atlas Pearls for 17 years, building her career step by step. She currently works as Store Manager in North Bali, where she oversees the daily operations of the showroom and supports her team in creating a welcoming and professional environment.
Learning through challenges and guidance from colleagues and supervisors, Ibu Desak has developed strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure. She now leads her team with confidence and patience.
For Ibu Desak working at Atlas Pearls represents growth, stability, and reassurance that consistent effort and commitment can build a stronger future.
Originally from Lombok, Mbak Utari joined Atlas Pearls in August 2024 as a fresh graduate, beginning her professional journey at the Banyubiru site. By observing closely, asking questions, and learning directly in the field, she is building confidence in herself and her abilities.
Mbak Utari now takes on responsibilities she once found intimidating, particularly in understanding technical aspects of the operation.
For Mbak Utari, working at Atlas Pearls represents independence, pride, and an important first step toward building a stable and meaningful future.
Ibu Fenti joined Atlas Pearls in 2021, beginning her career as an HRGA administrator at the Alor site. Over the next four years, she progressed through roles in general administration and CSR coordination, building a broad understanding of company operations.
In 2022, Ibu Fenti accepted an offer to join a new site in Lembata, a place she had never visited before. Moving as a single woman to a remote location came with uncertainty and self-doubt, but she committed to the challenge and grew in confidence through experience and connection with her team and surroundings.
Three years later, she was appointed Office Manager at the Sumba Timur site.
Today, Ibu Fenti leads with a focus on communication, consistency, and care for people, believing that leadership is built through trust, responsibility, and the courage to keep learning.
Ibu Lina comes from Laipori, a small coastal community in Sumba. After leaving school at junior high level, she spent years caring for her household and raising children however, following the passing of her husband she became the sole provider for her family. In joining Atlas Pearls, Ibu Lina welcomed the opportunity to contribute her skills and be part of a new farm operation which was only just taking shape in the area.
Ibu Lina works as a groundskeeper, caring for the site and its surroundings. Her role provides a steady income that allows her to support her family and her children’s education with confidence.
She takes pride in her work and in contributing to the success of the operation, and thanks to a reliable and supportive role, she can look ahead with optimism.
At Atlas Pearls we are thoroughly committed to developing a sustainable business: sustainable for the environment, our local communities, employees and our customers.
Our relationship with local communities is long-term and grounded in mutual respect and shared responsibility. In many of the remote or regional locations where we operate, Atlas Pearls is often the primary employer. For many individuals, joining Atlas marks their first, and sometimes only, experience in formal employment, making our role in economic empowerment both significant and enduring, something we don’t take for granted.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace, providing equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of age, gender, or background. This commitment is demonstrated through our industry-leading gender pay outcomes and the strong representation of women in senior leadership roles throughout the organization:
Discover the remarkable four-year journey behind every South Sea pearl, where nature, patience, and expert care create one of the world’s most extraordinary natural gems.
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While there are hundreds of different types of pearls, the jewellery industry is dominated by four major families. Each is characterised by the species of mollusc that creates it, the waters in which it grows, and the quality...