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From the Abrolhos, a rugged group of pristine and isolated islands off the coast of Western Australia comes the treasure that is the Chimere Pearl. Within the crystal blue lagoons the mysteries of nature embrace the black-lipped pearl oyster, pinctada margaritifera, to gently create a magical gem of the sea.
A chance discovery of an oyster shell on a shallow reef at the Abrolhos in 1992 signalled the beginning of an industry and the formation of the company Chimere Pearls. After much preliminary research on the wild shell stocks collected from the reefs and lagoons, the company commenced the first culturing experiments in 1998.
Twelve months later the team was rewarded with a small pearl harvest, which proved conclusively that a pearl culturing industry at the Abrolhos Islands was possible.
The first commercial harvest of cultured pearls was released in September 2000 and jewellers were quick to realize that here was a gem with colour intrinsically linked to its unique location, and a lustre that is internationally recognised. |
Chimere Pearls places the highest value on the pristine environment in which its pearls are cultured.
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It uses only ecologically sustainable technology, preserving the natural wonders and mystique of the Abrolhos Islands.
There are a total of 122 islands in the Abrolhos, the closest being 55kms off the Geraldton coast
These are clustered into three main groups: the Wallabi group, Easter group and the Southern or Pelsaert group, and they extend from north to south across 100km of ocean.
These crystal blue waters, with their abundance of marine life and corals displaying all the colours of the rainbow, are perfect for the harvesting of the fabulous black pearl. |
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The treacherous Abrolhos reefs have claimed many victims throughout history, and none more famous than the wrecking of the Dutch 'Batavia', in 1629.
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On its maiden voyage, the pride of the Dutch East India Company ploughed into the reef under full sail in the dark of night.
The ensuing mutiny and murder of 125 men, women and children is now part of Australian folklore. Today, the Batavia wreck lies in 4 to 6 metres of water and the outline of the hull, fully equipped with cannons and anchors, is a stark reminder of the gruesome tale.
The Abrolhos is a nature lover's paradise. On dry land, sea lions bask on the shores while a plethora of bird life soar above. Underwater, coral gardens, tropical and temperate fish species, whales, dolphins and turtles all call it home. Little wonder that the Abrolhos has become a Mecca for commercial fishermen and an aquatic playground for tourists. It offers world-class diving and snorkelling, surfing, windsurfing and fishing
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