Where has Port Stephens Pearls gone?

[julianner]

The latest edition of Pearl World shows photos of Akoyas from Port Stephens Pearls, prompting me to think how pleasant it would be to pop up there and have a look for myself.

However, after searching the net and the white pages, and ringing the 1800 number and getting a recorded message of the type 'nobody's home here anymore', I've just rung the Port Stephens Tourism people and they've told me that the pearl company is gone. They have no idea what has happened to it.

I have been able to leave a message on the normal landline number, so maybe Ian Burt will get back to me. Meanwhile, though, the tourism people think he's gone.

Does anyone here know? Have I missed a vital announcement about this?

 

[GemGeek]

Wow, another pearl detective at work! I'm picturing someone sneaking away in the dark of night with a big bag of pearls.

It will be interesting to hear more...

 

[julianner]

Right, now that I have my copy of Pearl World in front of me, I can say a bit more about this, but don't get too excited as I don't yet have any answers.
The article (undated, by the late Dr Grahame Brown) starts off referring to Port Stevens [sic] Pearls, formerly Barrier Pearls, then goes on to talk about Broken Bay Pearls which hotfrog website tells me is in Tuncurry, NSW, about 107 km north of Port Stephens. However, Broken Bay Pearls doesn't seem to appear in the White Pages, which is probably more up to date than hotfrog.
The plot thickens...

 

[Pearlgully]

Have you tried calling or emailing Bo Torrey, editor of "Pearl World"? He may be able to answer your questions.


Gail

 

[julianner]

Thanks Gail. I actually had an email drafted to Bo Torrey, then decided to run it through here first.

I've heard back from one of my sources that there is a co-op of pearl farmers in New South Wales (where Port Stephens is). My source is overseas at the moment but will give me the contact details when he gets back.

Stay tuned!

 

[julianner]

Sorry for the delay in further information about this. My would-be source cannot find the business card he had for the company. When I get time, and back onto my own computer :-( I'll email Bo Torrey as I mentioned before.

I've just checked the White Pages and the company is still listed. See http://www.whitepages.com.au/wp/bus...phens+pearls&state=NSW&rollupHash=-1738042528

 

[effisk]

I did exchange a couple of emails with the guys at PSP two years ago. I'll try to find their email addresses.

 

[Ragnorak]

...referring to Port Stevens [sic] Pearls, formerly Barrier Pearls...

Would that have anything to do with the Barrier Pearls that was based on Thrusday Island? If it's the company I'm thinking of they also tried a move to Broome.

If memeory serves they sold their Broome operation to Kalis Pearls. If they'd managed to hold out for another six months or so it may have been a different story.

 

[barbie biggs]

The plot is getting thicker!

 

[effisk]

Julianne, any news about the guys from Coral Sea Pearls and PSP ?

 

[PiP]

Broken Bay Pearls

Broken Bay Pearls

All, the update goes something like this:

PSP has gone into administration, this is a story in itself, and one that I cannot do justice.

Their peer, and now only remaining akoyer pearl producer on the east coast, Broken Bay Pearls, is an ongoing concern.

Refer www.brokenbaypearls.com.au, (www.abc.net.au/landline/content/2008/s2522181.htm for an expose).

Broken Bay Pearls market through Percy Marks Jewellery.

The Tuncurry address for Broken Bay Peals is the registered business address, not the place of produce.

 

[Nerida]

Broken Bay Pearls is wholly owned by Percy Marks, isn't it?
Please let me know if that isn't so...

 

[BeadersSecret]

Yep,they sure are, Though I havent checked them out myself - a close acquaintance waxed lyrical over the shades of blues and lilacs, and with a lustre that is just divine (and apparently without enhancement).

 

[Nerida]

Mmm, that doesn't really surprise me. I can't really imagine Percy Marks going public with anything that is less than gorgeous. We will have to see if we can have an aussie pearl guide excursion someday!