Kailis

Kailis is a family-owned Australian jewellery business specialising in Australian South Sea pearls. Founded by Michael Kailis and Dr Patricia Hurse, it opened its first pearl jewellery store in Broome, Western Australia, in 1978.

What is Kailis?

Kailis Jewellery is a pearl jewellery house from Western Australia. It is known for designs built around Australian South Sea pearls, often set with Western Australian gold and diamonds, and describes itself as a family-owned and operated business.

History

Founders Michael George Kailis and Dr Patricia Hurse became partners in 1959 when they founded MG Kailis. They established the first Australian South Sea pearl farm in Broome, and MG Kailis became the largest pearl farming company in Western Australia. The first Kailis pearl jewellery store opened in Broome in 1978, and in the 2000s the business expanded across Australia through its own boutiques and a network of stockists.

Products and positioning

The range covers fine pearl jewellery and collections, gifting pieces and accessories. The brand's identity is closely tied to the origin of its pearls and to the Broome pearling region.

Distribution

Kailis sells through its own boutiques, independent stockists and its website.

Why it matters

Kailis is an example of vertical integration in jewellery, where a brand grew out of pearl farming and uses provenance as a central part of its positioning.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded Kailis Jewellery?

Kailis was founded by Michael George Kailis and Dr Patricia Hurse, who also established the first Australian South Sea pearl farm in Broome.

What is Kailis known for?

Kailis is known for fine jewellery made with Australian South Sea pearls, often combined with Western Australian gold and diamonds.

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