As techniques improved, South Sea pearl farming expanded outside Australia and into other regions. The Philippines developed golden South Sea pearl production using gold-lipped Pinctada maxima. Indonesia became a major producer of both white and golden South Sea pearls. Myanmar, with its natural shell resources in the Mergui Archipelago, also became historically important.

One of Jewelmer's pearl farms in the Philippines

Australia is most closely associated with fine white and silver South Sea pearls. The Philippines is best known for golden South Sea pearls. Indonesia produces both white and golden South Sea pearls and is one of the largest producers by volume. Myanmar, historically referred to as Burma in the pearl trade, has produced fine white, silver, and golden South Sea pearls, including the famous Burmese golds. Modern trade, however, is complicated by sanctions and political instability.

These regional differences are important because South Sea pearl quality and perceived value are strongly tied to provenance. Water quality, shell type, farming method, grow-out period, and local environment all influence the character of the pearls produced.