A day of beauty, knowledge, and connection. From expert talks to rare finds, from pearl farmers to collectors — this is more than an event. It is a global pearl community, where passion meets provenance.
To view some of the lectures that have been given at past
PEARLS BY THE BAY EVENTS lectures can be watched on our
YouTube Channel
STAY TUNED FOR OUR 2026 SCHEDULE
PEARLS BY THE BAY
WAS MAY 18th 2025 10am-6pm
NEW VENUE!
Acqua Hotel in Mill Valley
for the world’s only day-long seminar dedicated entirely to pearls! This marked our 6th year hosting this unique event, which features lectures by esteemed experts from every corner of the pearl world. We enjoyed a wealth of pearl knowledge, engaging show-and-tell sessions, and the continued joy of being part of a vibrant community, all centered around the world’s one and only sustainable gem.
Photos and information from past Pearls By The Bay ⬇️
Each year in May, we gathered at the Casa Madrona Hotel in Sausalito, California.
We start at 10am with a light breakfast and coffee/ tea service prepared for the group.
Next we hear from a hand chosen group of pearl farmers, historians and pearl professionals from around the world. This lecture series is a fantastic way to not just learn about different varieties of pearls, but to meet the people who study and cultivate these gems. There is a heavy focus on ecology and the marine harmony which is VITAL to the health and existence of both farming and natural pearl existence.
We had a gorgeous buffet lunch catered by Poggio's Restaurant, and a cocktail reception at sunset.
Last but not least: We play PEARL BINGO for PRIZES, and trust me you will WANT TO PLAY WITH US. Every year, this is by far the funniest part of the day!
There is plenty of time for show and tell, and catching up with your pearl friends.
This is the only seminar of its kind IN THE WORLD .. dedicated solely to pearls.. and it is our honor to host this event.
In the past we have heard lectures from :
2024: Douglas McLaurin-Moreno : cofounder of the Sea of Cortez Pearl Farm, Guaymas Mexico, Moderator of Pearl-Guide.com, Instructor for Pearls As One, Executive director of the CPAA ( Cultured Pearl Association of America)
Hannah Verra of Wild Ocean Pearls , Nova Scotia Canada
Jeremy Shepherd: President of Pearl Paradise, President of the CPAA ( Cultured Pearl Association of America), founder of Pearl-Guide.com
2023: Douglas McLaurin-Moreno : cofounder of the Sea of Cortez Pearl Farm, Guaymas Mexico, Moderator of Pearl-Guide.com, Instructor for Pearls As One
Dr. Chunhui Zhou: Senior Manager of Pearl Identification at GIA, New York, NY
&
Artitaya "Fai" Homkrajae : Supervisor of Pearl Identification at GIA, Carlsbad, CA.
&
Artitaya "Fai" Homkrajae : Supervisor of Pearl Identification at GIA, Carlsbad, CA.
Matt Harris of MattHarrisdesigns.com : designer and pearl historian
Betty Sue King: Pearl Dealer/collector with 45 years in the business- owner of Kings Ransom, Sausalito CA
Fuji Voll: legendary 2nd generation pearl dealer, Pacific Pearls, San Rafael California
2022: Jennifer Heebner: executive director of the Cultured Pearl Association of America
Alex Collins: Black Pearl farmer from Takaroa, French Polynesia, owner of Collins Pearls
KC Bell: natural pearl expert/collector, pearl historian with a focus on natural pearl fishing in Middle East
Dr. Araya and Jaime Maturana: Marine Biologists and Pioneers in cultivating cultured abalone pearls in Chile : Atacama Pearls
Please email me with any questions you may have about Pearls By The Bay!
(or check Pearl-Guide.com threads for first hand accounts from past attendees!)
