Pearls in the land of dragon

Indonesian riches

Komodo lizard-sighting is definitely the first thought that comes to our mind when we plan a tour of Flores Island in Indonesia. But for art aficionados and fashion freaks visiting the island, there is a surprise in store. Komodo Island is renowned for the amazing, stunningly crafted pearl jewellery, which is also easy on the wallet.

In today’s world, tourists can easily access Labuan Bajo that forms the gateway to Komodo Island. Garuda Airlines and Lion Air Group operate flight services from Bali and Jakarta to Labuan Bajo.

There are pearl farms on Flores Island spread out on the Indonesian archipelago that can be reached by cruising on speedboat from Labuan Bajo Harbour. The Flores Sea is rich with oysters, and vintage quality of pearls are developed here.

Pearl farming involves harvesting oysters, and a single pearl is a painstaking effort of around 3,000 workers.

Pearl jewellery shares a rich history in the royal dynasties of Indonesia. The pages of history put forth that the commissioners of Borobudur splurged and adorned themselves in abundant pearl ornaments. Flores Island enjoys the distinction of harvesting white and silver South Sea pearls.

These pearl riches come in colours like off-white, pink, purple and black. The island has a busy market where the village folks sell pearl jewellery in various designs and forms — rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and chokers with floral designs that are unique and elegant. It’s also the village folks’ occupation, and visitors are often persuaded to buy from local sellers.

There are appealing pearl necklaces that cost around 1,00,000 IDR, and buying them in bulk can get you a wholesale rate.

Pearl jewellery of Flores Island is much in demand by tourists. Many fashion and jewellery houses across the globe stock the pearl jewels of Flores Island.

The best way to bring home memories of Flores Island is to shop for its pearl jewellery, which will remain forever.