A family, a lagoon, and the pearls it gives us
McLeod Pearls of Manihiki are producers of Cook Islands cultured black pearls and jewellery. Family owned and operated, from our farm to our shop.
Kia orana from the McLeod family
McLeod Pearls is run by brother and sister John and Apii McLeod. John looks after the pearl farm on Manihiki, while Apii runs the shop here on Rarotonga.
Our story began when our father took us to Manihiki and asked if we wanted to start pearl farming. We said yes, and started a farm of our own. We have been producing cultured pearls since 1993, and in 2014 we opened McLeod Pearls of Manihiki in Rarotonga, so visitors and locals could buy directly from the family that grows them.
We choose settings to suit each pearl, match them up and mount every piece ourselves.
We believe in keeping things simple and honest. Every pearl we sell is a genuine Cook Islands cultured black pearl from our own farm, and whether you visit us in person or shop online, we want the experience to be a happy one.
From the farm to your hands
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1980s
The farm begins
Our father takes us to Manihiki and asks if we want to start pearl farming. John and Apii say yes, and we start our own farm.
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1993
Our first pearls
The McLeod family begins producing cultured black pearls, a craft we've carried ever since.
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2014
A shop in Rarotonga
McLeod Pearls of Manihiki opens its doors in Rarotonga, where we match our pearls with their settings and mount them ourselves.
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Every Saturday
Punanga Nui Market
You'll find us at the market on Saturday mornings, a favourite stop for visitors to the island.
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2026
Online, worldwide
Our new online store means you can take home a McLeod pearl wherever you are in the world.
Grown in Manihiki
Manihiki is a remote atoll in the northern Cook Islands, over a thousand kilometres north of Rarotonga. Its clear lagoon is home to the black-lipped pearl oyster, which gives Cook Islands pearls their deep colours: charcoal, silver, peacock green and gold.
John runs our farm there, one of around thirty in the lagoon. At harvest the oysters are lifted from the water, the pearls carefully removed and sorted, then sent south to Rarotonga. In the busy seeding and harvest seasons, neighbouring farmers lend a hand, the way island life has always worked.
Life on a remote atoll isn't easy. A supply ship might call only every few months, so every pearl that reaches our shop carries a little of that journey with it. Our pearls range from deep silver grey to black, with the iridescent overtones Manihiki is known for.
What we stand for
Genuine pearls
Only genuine Cook Islands cultured black pearls, from our own farm in Manihiki. When you buy from us, you buy from the family that grew them.
Honest and approachable
Ask us anything about a pearl, its size, its colour or its price. We'll give you a straight answer and help you choose what's right for you.
A piece of paradise
A black pearl is the perfect souvenir of your time in the Cook Islands, and a lasting way to mark a birthday, anniversary or wedding. We want every piece to bring back that happiness each time it's worn.
From our shop
Questions we're often asked
Are your pearls genuine Cook Islands pearls?
Yes. Every pearl we sell is a genuine Cook Islands cultured black pearl, grown on our family farm in Manihiki.
Do you ship overseas?
We do. We ship worldwide from Rarotonga with tracking. Delivery times and rates are shown at checkout.
Can I order online and collect in Rarotonga?
Yes. Choose click and collect at checkout and pick up your order from our shop in Maraerenga, or from our stall at Punanga Nui Market on Saturday morning.
Can I see the pearls in person?
Of course. Visit our shop in Maraerenga, Tupapa, or find us at Punanga Nui Market on Saturday mornings. We have many more pearls and pieces in store than online.
How should I care for my pearls?
Put your pearls on last, after perfume and sunscreen. Wipe them with a soft cloth after wearing, store them apart from harder jewellery, and avoid swimming or showering in them.
Come and say kia orana
Our shop is in Maraerenga, Tupapa, in front of Cook Islands News. On Saturday mornings, find us at Punanga Nui Market.
- Mon to Thu
- 10am to 4pm
- Friday
- 10am to 3pm
- Saturday
- 8am to 12pm, Punanga Nui Market
- mcleodpearls777@gmail.com