Cygnet Bay launches 1st edition of The Australian Pearl magazine

Written on the 11 June 2017

In celebration of 70 years in business, Australia's longest running pearl farm, Cygnet Bay Pearls has released a 90-page coffee table magazine featuring stunning imagery of the Kimberley and aspirational stories if the Australian South Sea Pearl farm's history.

In creating The Australian Pearl magazine, Cygnet Bay Pearls Managing Director James Brown wanted to offer insight into Broome's pearling industry which, to the outsider is an exotic industry often shrouded in mystery.

"I think it's fair to say most people have heard of a 'Broome Pearl'," Said James.

"Those who have will probably know they are considered the best in the world.  But then comes a great void of information about our industry.  Where and how are they grown?  By whom?  Why are they so good?" 

Released this week, the magazine features author Di Morrissey, and TV and Film producer Mark 'Jonesy' Jones about their connection to the Kimberley.  It also features the story of the Wiggin family, Luster Exhibition and True North who are also celebrating a huge milestone of 30 years in business.  But the story closest to his heart is tribute to the tight nit Brown family.

"The magazine also features an article about one of my greatest inspirations, my mum," Said James of Alison Brown whom he accredits as much a part of the pioneering spirit that forged the Australian pearl farming industry as the many men in the history of Broome and the Kimberley.

The magazine also delves into the Kimberley Marine Research Station which hosts a dedicated group of marine biologists who are studying the Kimberley's marine environment and climate change impacts.

"Following the giddy heights of the 80s and 90s boom, Cygnet Bay Pearls is one of only three companies who continued to invest in WA pearl farming," Said James.

"We have been innovating like mad and have created a whole range of new products and experiences to not only keep our business afloat, but continue to grow the pearling industry to a broader demographic."

For many, the first introduction to pearl jewellery was possibly through their grandmothers (witness the ubiquitous triple-strands favoured by the Queen), but Cygnet Bay is redefining how they fit in with the millennial culture as demonstrated by their dreamy Laine Hoffman marketing campaign and through various design and appreciation initiatives by the business.  

"We're launching a first ever this year with the Pearlers Master Class, created for the jewellery industry to offer a greater appreciation of the way they see and work with pearls to encourage innovative and contemporary design.

"Last year we also launched the Australian Pearl Jewellery Design Competition which was a huge success, and this year we've invited Australia's talented designer jewellers to create and amaze with innovative designs using a Cygnet Bay Pearl," Said James.

The Australian Pearl magazine will be an annual release, published by Cygnet Bay Pearls.

For further information email broome@cygnetbaypearls.com.au or sign up for the E-Newsletter at cygnetbaypearls.com.au.