South Sea Pearls P. Maxima oysters are responsible for the South Sea pearl. Another large mollusk, the P. Maxima used to be more well-known for its mother-of-pearl. Drivers off the coast of Australia brought up millions of these oysters to have their shells made into buttons and decorative inlays in furniture. A century later, the large 15mm cultured pearl is the star of the show. White South Sea cultured pearls are grown in large tropical or semi-tropical oysters in Australia, Myanmar, Indonesia and other Pacific countries. They generally range in size from 10mm to 20mm and command premium prices because of their relative rarity and large size. The most common colors of the South Sea pearls are golden, silver, and white.