Pinctada maxima — The South Sea Pearl Oyster
Quick answer: Pinctada maxima, the silver-lipped or gold-lipped oyster, is the world’s largest pearl-producing oyster and the source of South Sea pearls. Farmed in Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines, it grows white and golden pearls from 8mm to over 18mm — the largest cultured pearls, with thick nacre and a soft satiny luster.
What is Pinctada maxima?
Pinctada maxima is a large saltwater oyster, reaching up to 30 cm across — the biggest of the pearl oysters. Two varieties exist: the silver-lipped form, whose shell edge produces white and silver pearls, and the gold-lipped form, which produces the rare naturally golden pearls.
Where it is farmed
Pinctada maxima is cultivated in the warm waters of northern Australia (Broome), Indonesia and the Philippines. These clean, plankton-rich seas allow the oyster to deposit thick nacre over 2-4 years.
The pearls it produces
South Sea pearls from Pinctada maxima are the largest cultured pearls (commonly 9-16mm, up to 20mm), in natural white, silver and golden colors that are never dyed. Their thick nacre gives a soft, deep satiny luster rather than the mirror shine of Akoya.
Shop white South Sea pearls and golden South Sea pearls, or compare with other pearl types.