[Caitlin]

I am getting conflicting information about the existence of any NEW Gulf pearls, which most people report died out in 1930 or so. The major natural pearl sellers in Bahrain seem ambivalent themselves, and advertise "Bahrain Guinean pearls", which my investigation suggests may be new natural ocean pearls imported to the Emirates from New Guinea. Please point me to some reference that documents any significant number of quality Gulf pearls coming today from the sea, not from existing collections. Many thanks. Tom Stern,MD

Here is what I found.

[Slraep]

Caitlin, your found quote is better. I'm glad we have someone from Bahrain saying otherwise. I wish more vendors from Bahrain say otherwise because this is a serious matter pertaining to their credibility. If it is not true then the quote is just an attempt at a sales pitch.

Slraep

[Caitlin]

I am delighted that Reem is here and I encourage her to put contact info under her signature. She really is the first person on this forum, if not online in general, who can speak for Bahraini pearls.

I would SO much like to have her report all she can from how they are fishing for pearls nowadays and the pearling life in general, to putting up newfound Bahraini pearls before they are set in jewelry. Now to mention how much is being produced, and maybe if other dealers are using the Bahrain/Guinea designation....

BTW I disagree with her when he says natural pearls are not as lustrous as cultured; just think the Duchess of Windsor necklace. I believe it is Kunz who reported the best pearls were so lustrous, one can see his eye reflected back. That was long before the stealing of the techniques of cultured pearls had born fruits for their Japanese patent holders.

[Slraep]

Originally Posted by Caitlin Williams

BTW I disagree with him when he says natural pearls are not as lustrous as cultured; just think the Duchess of Windsor necklace. I believe it is Kunz who reported the best pearls were so lustrous, one can see his eye reflected back. That was long before the stealing of the techniques of cultured pearls had born fruits for their Japanese patent holders.

Maybe he means not like the metallic lustre like on Mikimoused akoyas and "product of Japan" Tahitians. Naturals should have a gorgeous silky lustre with a halo!! They glow! Like transparent glass but not like a ball bearing. I dunno. I've seen some, but not nearly enough.

Slraep

[knotty panda]

This is one of the best threads we have had in a very long time. A pleasure to read. Caitlin: I knew what you were referencing and where you were going and politely watched the show. I wasn't disappointed.

[smetzler]

Originally Posted by knotty panda

This is one of the best threads we have had in a very long time.

Second that. Pearl-Guide.com is now complete…

[Ingykiz]

NaturalPearls,
Your pearls look like a treasure that I imagined as a child.(Syntax?) What I mean to say is that your old pearls look more "pearly" than most pearls I have seen as of late. I will put your pearls on my husbands,,,uh, I mean my list of must haves. Thanks for all the background info on a subject I know nothing about, Bahraini Pearls.

[Caitlin]

Bahraini pearls from the Persian Gulf are the from the oldest and most prolific pearl beds the world has ever seen. Up until Reem arrived, we did not have any way to get some without going to Bahrain. Maybe that will change, now.

[Slraep]

I hope Reem stays with us! We want to pick his knowledge. Please indulge us Reem!!

Slraep

[smetzler]

Originally Posted by Caitlin Williams

Bahraini pearls from the Persian Gulf are the from the oldest and most prolific pearl beds the world has ever seen. Up until Reem arrived, we did not have any way to get some without going to Bahrain. Maybe that will change, now.

It has certainly changed, but I have a feeling we all better start prospecting for oil, hoping for our own James Dean (from 'Giant') moments. But in all things one must have standards, and those 1930s beauties are now mine…

[GemGeek]

I must admit, I would adore to have one of Reem's baroques. Seeing such lovely pearls is to understand why they were once reserved for royalty.

[Valeria101]

Originally Posted by smetzler

... those 1930s beauties are now mine…

What are you saying, exactly?

[Caitlin]

Shireen = High luster, round pearls of clean skin (no prejudice about color or size)
Jiwan = Pink to somewhat lavender
Sindaali = Flesh pink to peach
Nabatee = Golden cream
Sofri = Deep golden
Abiyadh = Translucent white no cream tone possible overtones are silver and/or rosé
Khardil = Dark/black colored pearls (some include here purplish lavender)

Hi Reem
I found this list list elsewhere. Does it mean anything to you? How correct is it?

[Slraep]

Lu'lu, durr and marjan, what is the difference between them?

Slraep

[Slraep]

What about these amazing colours, Caitlin? The colour of daylight. And the colour of nocturnal dew. How lovely to imagine!

Ibn Hamzah says:

"They have upon them rubies, jewels, mercury-like silver and threaded pearls like the colour of the daylight."


Qays bin Malluh writes:

"She has upon her body, pearls made by the jeweller, as if the night has released her stone of dew."

Slraep