The Blue Pearl Journal

The Marlborough Sounds - Toni Cormack Slides  In a quiet home in Renwick, Kenneth Robert Gardiner shared a vivid recollection of his childhood with interviewer Loreen Brehaut in 2007. A seasonal community of whalers, wives, and children made their way...

When Pearl Farmers Take Their First Real Break in 18 Years (Plot Twist: It's Still All About Pearls) Their last holiday was in 2007 So here's the thing about being completely obsessed with pearl farming: You've spent nearly a quarter-century...

Standing on the rocky shores of New Zealand's coastline at low tide, the retreating water reveals nature's hidden treasures scattered across the dark rocks. A sudden flash of iridescent blue-green catches your eye among the seaweed and barnacles, something infinitely...

At Arapawa Blue Pearls, we've spent years perfecting the art of turning ocean treasures into jewellery that makes people stop mid-conversation. There's something profoundly satisfying about watching someone hold one of our gold pearl necklace pieces for the first time,...

Hey there, fellow adventurers and jewellery enthusiasts! The pearl farm tours are officially back in business, which means our little slice of aquatic paradise on Arapaoa Island is once again buzzing with visitors who've made the journey to witness what...

At Arapawa Blue Pearls, we've spent years perfecting the art of transforming New Zealand's most stunning ocean treasures into jewellery that captures hearts worldwide. Here's everything you need to know about paua shell jewellery, straight from the experts who live...

Picture this: you're standing in a jewellery store, staring at two nearly identical pieces of pearl jewellery NZ has to offer, and the only difference is that one's set in gold, the other in platinum. It's like choosing between Batman...

New to paua? You’re in for something distinctly Aotearoa. With its striking blue-green shell and rich, oceanic flavour, paua is one of New Zealand’s most prized delicacies, equally celebrated in fine cuisine and fine jewellery. Whether it’s tucked into a...

As the golden leaves of autumn begin to fall, we’re wrapping up another wonderful tourist season here at Arapawa Island. Sure, the boats are still pulling into the bay and the coffee is still brewing by the gallon, but no...

At Arapawa Blue Pearls, we believe that jewellery is more than just an accessory; it’s a story. Each piece we create carries not only the natural beauty of our blue pearl NZ treasures but also the rich traditions and deep...

Whaling Station Opening 2010 Toni Halliday (née Cormack) sat down with interviewer Loreen Brehaut in January 2006 to share a vivid oral history of life in Tory Channel, New Zealand, a remote part of Marlborough Sounds history steeped in tradition,...

Planning your wedding involves many important decisions, from the venue to the dress, and of course, the jewellery that will complete your look. The right pieces can add elegance, sparkle, and personality to your special day. Whether you're searching for...

An Oral History of Whaling Life, Maori Family Traditions, and Rural New Zealand Childhoods. On two late-winter days in 2006, Ria Wilson (née Norton) sat in her Grovetown home and spoke with interviewer Loreen Brehaut,  opening a window into a...

  For July babies, the fiery red ruby is the traditional birthstone; bold, brilliant, and intense. But not everyone resonates with bright red gemstones. At Arapawa Blue Pearls, we believe in celebrating individuality. That’s why we’ve created something different: a...

  When shopping for pearl jewellery, understanding pearl grade is essential. Whether you’re admiring a luminous abalone pearl or looking for the perfect gift, knowing how pearls are graded helps you make informed choices.  Mike and I are passionate about...

  There are days on Arapaoa Island that are so perfect, I half-expect a movie crew to pop out from behind a bush and yell, "And that’s a wrap! Perfect take!" One of those cinematic, pinch-me days was when Simon...

  For a generation of Marlborough children, the winter months didn’t just bring cold southerlies; they brought the call of the Channel. From the 1950s to the early 1960s, in May, families from Picton, Waikawa, and Blenheim packed up homes...

  Stuart Smith with the Arapawa Blue Pearls team after a memorable paua farm tour. Earlier this month, Arapawa Blue Pearls had the honour of hosting Stuart Smith MP, Member of Parliament for Kaikōura at our family-owned paua farm located on...

  A Hatchery Mystery One of the common questions we hear on our pearl farm tours starts with a fascinated gaze into one of our tanks and ends with: “But how do you count them all?” Imagine walking into our...

  June in New Zealand doesn't exactly roll in with sunny beach days and tropical breezes. It arrives with a chill in the air and a few extra layers (not that it stops some from proudly wearing shorts) and a...

So, you’ve treated yourself to a pair of our signature Arapawa Blue Pearl earrings, congratulations! Or maybe you’re still daydreaming about them (we get it). Either way, you’re wondering: “But are they easy to care for?” Short answer: yes. Long...