Cygnet Bay Pearls launches new boutique and tourism experience

Written on the 8 August 2016

The much anticipated new Cygnet Bay Pearls showroom and Pearling Pioneers experience on Dampier Tce was officially launched on Friday by the Brown family.

More than just a retail jewellery outlet, Cygnet Bay Pearls has opened an adjacent 'Pearling Pioneers' experience where guests can immerse themselves in the exotic history of pearling in Broome and witness a pearl harvest broadcast from the farm.

Established by Dean Brown in 1946, generations of the Brown family have worked their way from bark huts and handmade tools to the aspirational vision presented at the boutique today. 

In 1960 Cygnet Bay Pearls made history by harvesting their first cultured parls.  James said, "Up until this moment it was only the Japanese who had the expertise on how to successfully culture pearls.  No farm in the world had ever been started without Japanese involvement."

Brown paid homage to his family for continuing to invest in the industry throughout the downturns to ensure the viability of pearling in the Kimberley for generations to come, and supporting the Kimberley Marine Research Station.

During his speech to guests James Brown roused applause when stating the unique tidal pull of the Earth and its moon would likely mean that Broome is the pearling capital of the universe. Not a bad title at all.