TB Ellies - the founding father of our company

T.B. Ellies arrived in Australia from Ceylon, now known as Sri-Lanka, searching for a new life.

He owned his own fleet of Pearl Luggers, and named the first after his hometown "Galle". In 1887, T.B set himself up as a pearl doctor in Broome. Similar to a cosmetic surgeon, the pearl doctor removed any blemishes from pearls to improve their appearance and thus increasing their value.

It was a skill that required patience, a light touch and the right knowledge. He became so well renowned that his small shop in Broome's Chinatown became a meeting place for pearl farmers and buyers from around the world. The shop was a place that could make or break a pearl farmer he watched T.B. skin the pearl.

T.B. was well rewarded for his skills and was said to have been the richest man in Broome at the time.

During his time in Broome, some of the most famous pearls passed through his hands, including the 'Southern Cross' now housed in the Vatican, along with the majority of pearls bought by the royal family.

Today, Broome still remembers T.B. Ellies' skill through the historical museums and talks which continue to be held. His skill has also been spoken about in many pearling books. He is one of the most memorable characters from the early days of pearling.