Inspirational South Sea pearls grown in Bali
ABOUT US
A Passion For Pearling
Ocean Blue Pearls is an Indonesian South Sea pearl farming company, whose primary motivation is to produce the perfect pearl. Established in 2004 by Managing Director David Schonell, the business has always prioritized pearl quality over volume. This boutique farm currently produces around 60,000 Pinctada maxima oysters a year, which are generally harvested two to three times during the year. Ocean Blue Pearls is the principal employer in this remote part of Bali and embraces its close ties with the local community.
Since the Company's inception, the harvests were transferred to sales agents who marketed the pearls through their own sales events, often blending the pearls with the production of other farmers. From January 2023 Ocean Blue Pearls commenced management of its own distribution, offering its pearls to the international market through both auction and private negotiation.
THE TEAM
DAVID SCHONELL - Managing Director
David Schonell has been pearl farming in Indonesia since 1995. Holding degrees in Aquatic Biology and Aquaculture, David has a strong science background, and has been at the forefront of some of the biggest evolutions in the industry. David understands the importance of creating strong values, the significance in Indonesia of the work/community culture, and remains passionate in striving to constantly perfect the quality of the harvests.
​
Ocean Blue Pearls was established by David in 2004 with the support of a small group of investors. As an owner operator all aspects of the business come under his control, but his focus starts with oyster production in the on-site hatchery, in breeding oysters with the best genetic parameters for pearl production.
LAWSON CALLAWAY - Farm Manager
Originally from Northam in Western Australia, Lawson studied Marine Science at Murdoch University in Perth. In 2014 he moved to Broome where he became Head Diver for Clipper Pearls. In 2017 he relocated to Indonesia where he was employed by Atlas Pearls for three years, mostly based in Alyui, West Papua. He has been the Farm Manager at Ocean Blue Pearls since February 2020. In his spare time he enjoys fishing, freediving and walking the Farm's resident pack of dogs down the beach. He is also an excellent cook. Lawson is married to Dewi, who works for Ocean Blue Pearls as a Pearl Technician.
TIMOTHY JONES - Sales and Marketing
Tim graduated from University College London in 1993 before working for the Diamond Trading Company (De Beers) for seven years, initially as a Diamond Buyer in Belgium, Israel and Africa and then as a Sales Executive. In 2001 Tim emigrated to Perth where he worked for three Australian pearl farming companies, for whom he managed the sales and distribution. Tim joined Ocean Blue Pearls in 2023 with the aim of developing the Company's distribution to a worldwide clientele.