SPOTLIGHT 市场聚焦 PEARL REPORT | 52 | 2023-2024 Long before the oil trade in the Middle East, there was the pearl trade. The warm waters and marine ecosystem of the Arabian Gulf have been ideal breeding grounds for natural pearls, leading to a rich tradition of pearl diving and cultivation dating back to 2 BC to sustain a flourishing trade in these gems up until the 1930s. Natural pearls formed the backbone of most Arabian economies until the onset of cultured pearl cultivation, new income sources and the discovery of oil in the region changed the dynamics of the trade. Bahrain however has remained faithful to the natural variety. Leading pearl trading families continue to maintain natural pearl cultivation operations for their lucrative wholesale, trading, jewellery manufacturing and retail businesses. In fact, the kingdom prohibits the import and cultivation of cultured pearls to reinforce the ascendancy of the famed Bahraini pearl. And in 2017, the Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (Danat) was established to help revitalise the country’s natural pearl sector, among its other mandates as a laboratory, testing and research centre. Natural pearls According to Danat CEO Noora Jamsheer, natural Bahraini pearls stand out for their rarity. Each natural pearl is unique and no two natural pearls are alike. Whether gifted or bought, natural pearls hold intrinsic value by being rare and one of a kind. They are sought after for their beauty that emanates from their lustre, unique colours and shape. Very few natural pearls grow to more than 8mm in size. Bigger pearls feature in high-end jewellery creations while smaller pearls are integrated into daily jewellery pieces. Danat has certified some of the more striking collections of Bahraini natural pearls. In August 2018, Bahraini diver Sanad Bin Abdulla Bin Jafen discovered a natural pearl in a Pinctada radiata oyster in one of the pearling beds off Bahrain’s northern coast. Measuring 13.93mm by 13.62mm, the Sanad pearl is nearround with a light greyish-cream body colour. Another outstanding specimen is the Abdul Razak Graduation, a seven-row graduated necklace featuring 779 natural pearls. The 24-inch necklace comprises natural pearls superbly matched for colour, overtone, shape, surface Natural pearls. Photo credit: Danat 天然珍珠。图片鸣谢：Danat | Olivia Quiniquini 程爱莉 | Middle East Backed by centuries of pearl diving tradition, the Middle East is reasserting its dominance in the niche of natural pearls and history-laden gems in this tale of two pearls. 中东地区拥有数百年的采珠历史，现正重新巩固在天然珍珠和珠宝传统方面的领导地位。 中东珍珠贸易重焕光彩 pearl trade regains lustre
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