Rarest pearls go on display in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, Jan 25, 2010 (WAM) - One of the largest natural pearls in the world will go on display tomorrow at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
The marvellous piece of nature's gift named 'Pearl of Sheikha Fatima' is one of the rarest pearls found so far.
The exhibition is organised by the Abu Dhabi-based Pearl Revival Committee (PRC) under the patronage of HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of General Women's Union (GWA) and Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation.
The exceptionally rare pearl will be the major attraction of the Natural Pearl Display, which is being held in from 25th January 2010. The Display, which PRC is organizing with the support of Robert Wan, "the emperor of pearl", will also feature a number of the world's rarest natural pearls and pearling master collections, including a showcase from K.C. Bell, one of the world's leading experts on pearls.
A natural salt-water nacreous baroque pearl - length of 4 inches (10.2 cm), circumference of 6 inches (15.2 cm) and 856.58 carats (171.3 gram) in weight - the pearl is almost twice as large as the Hope pearl, which is displayed at the British Museum of Natural History, and almost 11 carats heavier than the Burma pearl. It has been incorporated into the design of a stunning sculptural jewel of a Centaur, a Greek mythological creature that was believed to be half man and half horse; the pearl forms the torso of the Centaur, with the remaining parts sculptured in gold.
Speaking at a press conference to announce the forthcoming display, Khaled Al Sayegh, Chairman of PRC, said: "Pearls are an integral part of the UAE's culture and heritage and for generations have provided a source of wealth in the emirates. Long before the discovery of oil, the UAE's pearl trade was vital in helping to establish Abu Dhabi as an important trading port".
"The Pearl Revival Committee is committed to upholding this unique heritage and has organised the Natural Pearl Display as a celebration of the beauty of pearls and also to their important role in the development and growth of Abu Dhabi. Visitors to the display will have the opportunity to view collections of some of the world's rarest and most beautiful pearls", he added.
The PRC also announced yesterday that it has partnered with Gemological Institute of America (GIA), to set new standards for pearl testing and authentication across the region. The new partnership will help protect and enhance the trade of pearls for both jewellers and the public.
"We will be working with the GIA to unify procedures of pearl testing certification. Using their exceptional experience and facilities, the GIA will issue certificates that authenticate pearls, differentiating natural from synthetic. This is an important step in safeguarding the integrity of the pearl trade as it will help to protect the interests of people wishing to buy pearls," Al Sayegh explained.
KC Bell, considered the international master of pearls, expressed his pleasure to be in Abu Dhabi and to showcase some of his rare pearls at the Display. "Abu Dhabi has gained international reputation as the home of some of world's rarest and finest pearls, which have been often associated with the Emirate's history and heritage".
Bell's natural pearls, photographs, and investigations of natural pearl formations have been displayed at Abu Dhabi's Pearl Display. These include some of the rare pearl collections he could find in his extensive travels throughout the Americas, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia in his search for natural pearls.
The majority of natural pearls discovered in history have been small pearls. A fine large natural pearl is a very extraordinary phenomenon of nature. A pearl diver was lucky to find one or two large pearls in his life time of work. -