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Get hands-on with exquisite Australian South Sea pearls at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm’s Pearl Grading Class. Learn the expert techniques behind grading these rare gems in a relaxed, intimate setting on Western Australia’s Dampier Peninsula.
Get hands-on with exquisite Australian South Sea pearls at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm’s Pearl Grading Class. Learn the expert techniques behind grading these rare gems in a relaxed, intimate setting on Western Australia’s Dampier Peninsula.
Book with Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm
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Operated by Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm · Dampier Peninsula, Western Australia
Situated on Western Australia’s remote Dampier Peninsula, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm offers visitors a rare glimpse into the world of Australian South Sea pearls, revered globally for their size, luster, and purity. This pristine coastal region, bordered by turquoise waters and rugged coastline, provides the perfect backdrop for an immersive pearl experience that goes beyond typical tours. Among these offerings, the Pearl Grading Class stands out as an intimate, hands-on session designed for those passionate about the finer details of pearl quality.
Held in a quiet grading room at the farm, this one-hour add-on invites adults to handle real loose pearls harvested from the farm’s subtidal beds. Under the guidance of expert graders, participants learn to assess pearls using five key criteria: size, luster, shape, surface condition, and color—each of which plays a crucial role in determining a pearl’s value. This tactile encounter allows you to feel the weight, inspect the iridescence, and discern subtle differences between individual pearls, revealing the science and artistry behind this treasured gem.
The class compliments the Pearl Farm Tour by diving deeper into grading techniques, providing context on industry standards and the farm’s sustainable aquaculture practices. Cygnet Bay itself is a standout destination within the Dampier Peninsula, a landscape where red earth meets sweeping ocean views, and cultural heritage blends with pioneering aquaculture innovation. The farm’s operations support both conservation and local communities, making this experience more than a lesson in pearls—it’s a connection to place and process.
For travelers basing themselves in Broome or journeying to Cape Leveque, the pearl farm offers a unique adventure that balances hands-on learning with the untouched natural beauty of northern Western Australia. Whether you’re a gem enthusiast or a curious adventurer, the Pearl Grading Class at Cygnet Bay offers a quiet, refined way to appreciate one of nature’s most exquisite treasures.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for all fitness levels as the experience is seated and hands-on.
This experience is designed for adults 16 years and older due to the delicate nature and value of the pearls.
Yes, the Pearl Farm Tour is a prerequisite to provide foundational knowledge for the Pearl Grading Class.
Yes, there is an opportunity to purchase pearls directly from the assortment following the grading session.
No, food is not permitted during the class to protect the pearls, though you can add a bottle of sparkling wine when booking.
Groups are kept small, with a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
If fewer than 2 participants book, the tour may be rescheduled to guarantee a quality experience for all guests.
The Dampier Peninsula is home to rich Indigenous culture and has been the site of pioneering pearl farming since the late 19th century.
Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm practices sustainable aquaculture that protects marine ecosystems while supporting local communities and preserving traditional knowledge.
Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm operates on the Dampier Peninsula in Western Australia, offering a range of pearling and coastal experiences. The farm runs guided pearl farm harvest tours where visitors observe live oyster harvesting, participate in hands-on pearl grading classes, and learn sustainable practices that support pearl cultivation. Sea safari options include the Giant Tides Sea Safari and Island Explorer Sea Safari—two-hour adventures that navigate the region’s powerful tides, intertidal zones and the Buccaneer Archipelago. Visitors can enjoy scenic Pearl Farm Boat Tours and intimate Shell Island Sundowner cruises for sunset views and quiet island exploration. Cygnet Bay provides practical services such as bus transfers between Broome and the farm, and maintains a Broome showroom for pearl jewellery consultations, harvest demonstrations and grading classes. Retail experiences include pearl jewellery consultations, Lustre High Tea & Shopping, and a range of lunch and dinner reservation options for guests. Cultural and historical context is shared through the Borrgoron Culture & History Tour, led by Terry Hunter, a fourth-generation pearler, which highlights local pearling heritage and connections to the Bardi people. The farm emphasizes education and transparency by offering expert-led sessions on pearl virtues, grading criteria, and the lifecycle of Australian South Sea pearls. By combining hands-on learning, coastal wildlife viewing and curated jewellery experiences, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm presents an authentic Kimberley pearling destination for curious visitors and collectors. Bookings, transfers and showroom appointments are available from Broome, with options for private tours, group visits and tailored pearl consultations by arrangement on request.
Book with Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm