American Pearl · Pearl Guide

A Brief History of Pearls: South Sea Pearl Harvesting

The short answer

South Sea pearls are harvested after 2 to 3 years, when the oysters are brought ashore and technicians carefully open each shell to remove the pearl without harming the oyster. Healthy oysters receive a new nucleus and can be reused up to four more times. The long growing time gives South Sea pearls some of the thickest nacre of any saltwater pearl.

Reviewed by American Pearl’s pearl specialists · Updated October 2026

	A brief history of pearls		SOUTH SEA PEARL HARVESTING South Sea pearls usually take between 2 and 3 years to develop, and during that time, they develop an exceptionally thick coating of nacre. In fact, the nacre coating on South Sea pearls may be the thickest of all saltwater cultured pearls. Harvesting South Sea Pearls After the cultivation period, the White lipped oysters that produce South Sea pearls are removed from the bays in which they are kept. They're brought ashore and placed in a laboratory-like environment. Technicians pry their shells open to remove the pearls, and in doing so, they must be incredibly careful not to damage the pearls or permanently harm the oyster. Healthy oysters are implanted with another nucleus so they will produce another pearl. Oysters that die, are not healthy enough or did not produce a quality pearl are discarded. Each healthy oyster may be implanted with a new nucleus up to four more times before it can no longer produce quality pearls.
	How pearls form in oysters
	How pearls are harvested
	How pearls brought to market

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South Sea pearl harvesting: common questions

Can South Sea oysters be reused?

South Sea oysters can be reused: a healthy South Sea oyster can be nucleated up to four more times before it stops producing quality pearls.

Do South Sea pearls have thick nacre?

South Sea pearls have thick nacre because their two-to-three-year growing period gives them what may be the thickest nacre of all saltwater cultured pearls.

What happens to oysters after a South Sea harvest?

After a South Sea harvest, healthy oysters are nucleated again. Oysters that are weak or did not grow a quality pearl are discarded.