Is there an age limit for the masterclass?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by a guardian; content is suitable for curious kids and adults alike.

Can I touch the pearls during the session?

Because the grading room is secure, direct handling of loose pearls may be limited—demonstrations provide close-up views and guided handling where permitted.

What is the cancellation policy?

There is no refund for cancellations within 48 hours of the start time; check your booking confirmation for full terms.

Is the location accessible by public transport?

Shellar Door's meeting point is at 12 Kowan Road, Mooney Mooney; public transport options are limited—plan logistics ahead and arrive early.

Is the masterclass primarily educational or retail?

The session is focused on education and grading technique; retail or purchase options may be available separately at the showroom.

How large are group sizes?

Groups run from two to twelve people for an intimate, interactive experience.

Inside the Pearl Grading Room: Pearl Grading Masterclass at Shellar Door | Workshop

At Shellar Door in Mooney Mooney, New South Wales, a quiet room behind the storefront opens onto one of the most meticulous crafts of the sea: pearl grading. The Pearl Grading Masterclass led by expert Penny Arrow is a one-hour, land-based experience that demystifies how Australian Akoya pearls are evaluated, sorted, and valued. Step inside the secure Pearl Grading Room at 12 Kowan Road and you'll find bench lamps, loupes, calipers, and trays of oysters' treasures. Penny guides groups of two to twelve through the sequence that turns a small bead dropped into an oyster into a polished gem: inspecting nacre thickness, assessing surface blemishes, weighing luster, and classifying shape and color. The focus is technical and tactile - learn the difference between round and near-round, how orient affects iridescence, and why size and surface marks influence rarity and price. This is as much a lesson in marine husbandry as it is craftsmanship. While the session itself is land-based, the class connects to the lower Hawkesbury River oyster farms nearby and the Australian Akoya strain that makes these pearls distinctive - thicker nacre and a brighter luster than many farmed varieties. Expect clear, practical demonstrations rather than jewelry boutique sales pitches: Penny's grading is hands-on, candid, and aimed at anyone curious about the biology and the market behind a pearl. Practical notes matter: arrive fifteen minutes early to check in and use facilities; sessions accept small groups and are wheelchair accessible; children must be accompanied by a guardian. If you want water-time context, consider booking a linked farm cruise like Shell to Showroom or Oyster & Pearl Lovers to visit the estuary where oysters grow. For travelers based in nearby Gosford or doing day trips from Sydney, this masterclass makes a short, enriching detour - an indoor complement to paddling, fishing, or riverside hikes on the Hawkesbury. It's an ideal option for jewelry lovers, curious families, or anyone fascinated by natural materials and the process that determines a gem's story and value. The Pearl Grading Masterclass at Shellar Door is rare in its intimacy and focus: most pearl experiences are either retail displays or boat tours; few invite guests behind a secure grading room door to learn the disciplined language of grades, sizes, and surface attributes. For a compact hour that connects estuary ecology to finished gem, this session delivers precision, context, and a fresh appreciation for one of Australia's understated marine treasures. Because the room is secure, hands-on handling of loose pearls is limited, but demonstrations give clear close-up views; participants often leave with an enhanced eye for quality and an appreciation of how estuary stewardship, husbandry practices, and patient craft converge to produce each pearl - a small object that carries water, biology, and human skill.

About Broken Bay Pearl Farm

Broken Bay Pearl Farm is a family-run aquaculture operation located at Mooney Mooney on the Hawkesbury River in New South Wales. The farm specialises in Australian Akoya pearl cultivation and oyster production, offering a range of public experiences that reveal the full lifecycle of pearl farming. Visitors can join short demonstrations and extended tours including 30-minute pearl grading sessions, two-hour Shell to Showroom cruises, half-day Oyster & Pearl Lovers adventures, and guided farm cruises that pass working pearl leases.

Tours and experiences include hands-on components such as oyster shucking, pearl grading, and sensory oyster tastings at the on-site Shellar Door. Pearls of Australia and Liddon Pearls collaborate on select events; Pearls & Plates features a six-course riverside meal by chef Guy Jeffreys at a boat-accessible location. A complimentary 30-minute Pearl Jewellery Consultation with Pearls of Australia is also available for shoppers seeking expert guidance.

Broken Bay Pearl Farm maintains public access to its pearl grading room and educational programs that explain seeding, growth and harvest stages for Australian pearls. The operation emphasises sustainable aquaculture practices and showcases local seafood traditions on the Hawkesbury River. Experiences are suitable for visitors interested in marine farming, culinary oyster tasting, or learning about pearl craftsmanship. By combining guided interpretation, scenic river cruising, and exclusive access to working leases, Broken Bay Pearl Farm provides a factual, educational and memorable introduction to Australian pearl farming. The site operates tours from Shellar Door at Mooney Mooney and offers pre-order oysters for pickup by arrangement with farm staff.