Perth pearler in new waters

[Caitlin]

LINK
What do you all think about this?

• Neil Dowling
• From: PerthNow
• April 05, 2010 9:24AM

PERTH-based Atlas South Sea Pearl will boost pearl production by up to 50 per cent after agreeing to buy an Indonesian operation.

It aims to spend $540,00 to buy a 10-year old farming operation that includes nine leases in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, and a trained workforce. The deal also includes a large inventory of oysters, existing land and water-based infrastructure.

Atlas chairman Stephen Birkbeck said the Indonesian sites, which had been under utilised as a result of the economic slowdown, will increase potential pearl production by 30-50 per cent a year within three years.

``This acquisition meets part of Atlas' objectives to expand its pearl output from the acquisition of existing south sea pearl operations,'' he said.

``This will spread the geographical risk and add capacity to juvenile and pearl production within the group.

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``The introduction of Atlas' genetics IP, seeding techniques and other farm practices are expected to significantly increase yields from these operations.''

Atlas previously termed the first half of 2009 as ``its worst fiscal decline since the Great Depression''.

``There was an unprecedented drop in demand for pearls with auction clearance rates falling to 25 per cent and pearl prices declining by over 50 per cent at the bottom of the supply chain,'' Mr Birkbeck said in the company's chairman's report.

``The effect was compounded by a strengthening Australian dollar.

``Atlas saw a drop of 63 per cent in average pearl prices in 2009. As a result, revenue in the Atlas group decreased from $13.3 million in 2008 to $6.9 million in 209 - a 48 per cent reduction.''

But Mr Birkbeck said the company was turning around.

He said that from this year it had started the sales and distribution of its own pearls which will strengthen the company.

The first harvest for 2010 sold at a 20 per cent premium to 2009 prices.

 

[Keshibelle]

Hi Caitlin, I don't know what to make of it, it's all a bit beyond my feeble brain lol. However what I DO understand is how amazing the Kailis necklace is. Mindblowing. Let's see if I can attach the pic!

 

[Keshibelle]

Whoops I forgot to mention that you can read the story of the Kailis 'Versatility Strand' (mmm lacklustre name for such a lustrous necklace!) by following the link in Caitlin's post. Thanks Caitlin

 

[pearlescence]

The only problem I would have in wearing such a huge and perfect strand is that everyone would think they were fakeos.

 

[Keshibelle]

The only problem I would have in wearing such a huge and perfect strand is that everyone would think they were fakeos.

Now I wouldn't have that problem! Heck, who cares about the opinions of the pearl ignorant My only problem is the $800k+ pricetag

 

[pearlescence]

Not a problem - and I know a fabulously good looking bodyguard too!

 

[Keshibelle]

Not a problem - and I know a fabulously good looking bodyguard too!

Quite right Wendy, pearls like those would require a minder and I wouldn't mind either

 

[Nora]

Any idea about the size and the weight?

 

[Keshibelle]

Any idea about the size and the weight?

Hi Nora, no mention of the size or weight of the pearls in the newspaper article, the only clue is that the necklace is rope length (but length not stated) and comprises 58 pearls. I'm hoping that Jeremy's expert eye might be able to estimate the size of these whoppers!

I visited the Kailis website http://www.kailisjewellery.com.au but couldn't find any info about this particular piece. I did find out that the 'Versatility Strand' is available in different sizes and shapes to make a rope with invisible clasps which can divide into the following pieces:
collier and choker; collier and two bracelets; opera length and bracelet.
Sounds like a handy sort of rope to have !

 

[Nora]

Thanks Kerry, but we already know all that from https://www.pearl-guide.com/forum/66430-post17.html
Maybe Caitlin should combine those two threads.
I'm waiting for our experts to chime in.