We, here at Willie Creek are excited to share with you the fantastic news that Willie Creek Pearl Farm has increased its interests in the Broome pearling industry through the acquisition of a pearling licence.
Previously, Willie Creek Pearl Farm has had access to and certain rights in relation to a pearl shell quota from Clipper Pearls. We have now acquired one of only 17 pearling licences in Western Australia together with a substantial pearl shell quota and pearl farm leases.
Clipper Pearls is part of The Autore Group, which was founded in 1991 and is one of the largest South Sea pearl companies in the world. They are widely regarded as the producer of the most lustrous Australian South Sea pearls, with operations located just 10 nautical miles off the coast of Willie Creek.
“We were excited to be presented with this rare opportunity to purchase this pearl shell quota from Autore,” said Robert Banfield, co-owner of Willie Creek Pearls.
“We are confident that, with the research undertaken and practices implemented by Clipper Pearls, the Australian South Sea pearl industry will continue to hold the mantle as being able to produce the best pearls in the world.”
“The opportunity to own a fully commercial pearling licence … is something we have been working towards for many years. … We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that Broome is the destination of choice when looking to purchase pearls.”
Autore principal, Rosario Autore, said “Due to our longstanding relationship and their great respect for the industry, we are very pleased to see Willie Creek Pearls become a full participant within the industry in their own right”.
At Willie Creek Pearl Farm, we have been educating and enlightening visitors to the Broome region on the history and modern day workings of the Australian South Sea cultured pearl industry for more than 20 years.
In other News
Willie Creek Pearls and Willie Creek Pearl Farm have been announced as finalists in three categories of the prestigious Perth Airport Western Australian Tourism Awards 2015.
In 2010, we were inducted into the Western Australian Tourism Awards’ Hall of Fame and has twice been awarded the coveted Sir David Brand Award for Tourism.
14 comments
Laurene young
Congratulations to Willie Creek Pearls
What a wonderful achievement to add to your business.
Marietta Raymond
Congratulations one and all on a great achievement, one that I am sure we will all benefit from.
I was in Broome last year and visited your Pearl Farm and got a real insight into the pearl farming from your tour. I also bought a lovely pearl from your shop which I get a lot of comments on
Well done!!
Vicki Morton
Congratulations! My husband & I were lucky enough to be in beautiful Broome in August last year. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Willie Creek Pearls and learnt so much about your industry. I was thrilled to make a purchase and whenever I wear my earrings I get comments on how beautiful they are. Keep up the good work and we hope to make it back to a most beautiful part of Australia again soon
Margaret Mapstone
Congratulations Banfield Family and Willie Creek Pearls. I am a pearl nutter and have purchased a number of items from Broome – love the tour
Chris Redman
Congratulations on your great news – I love my pearl ring I bought while we were in Broome a while ago – well done
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