An educational programme on Natural Pearls is being presented by the collaborated efforts of Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) and Dubai Pearl Exchange (DPE), a subsidiary of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). The Dubai Pearl Exchange will conduct this five-day course in Dubai, supporting Gem-A’s commitment to reach high-educational standards to those in the industry. The course is being offered as part of Gem-A’s centenary celebrations of its gemmological education.

“DPE’s Natural Pearl Course has been designed to give participants a solid knowledge background in the formation of pearls and the history of the pearl trade. Participants will learn about the introduction of cultured pearls in addition to the pearl market today and various other types of pearls available including Freshwater, Conch, Melo, Tahitian, South Sea and Akoya. The programme will also trace the evolution of the pearl in jewellery from the ancient to the medieval period and from the renaissance to modern times.” explained Gaiti Rabbani, Executive Director, Coloured Stones and Pearls, DMCC.

Of the course duration, three days will be instruction-led in addition to relevant excursions. The curriculum will address 15 subject areas, providing a combination of detailed pearl knowledge leading to a Completion Certificate presented by DPE and Gem-A. The course design has been inspired by the rich Arabian pearling heritage, giving an insight into the natural pearl which has traditionally grown and nurtured off the Gulf coast, to its repute in design houses such as Cartier and Tiffany, and representation in contemporary fashion, poetry, romance and folklore.

“The recent resurgence in the natural pearl market coupled with Dubai’s emergence as an international trading centre, offers enormous potential to re-establish Dubai’s traditional link with pearling and thus benefit the Emirate’s tourist and jewellery trade.” said Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC. “Gem-A recognises that Dubai has a very important place in the history of pearling as a centre for trade and pearl fishing, and we were delighted to be given the opportunity to collaborate with the Dubai Pearl Exchange on their new course,” said Dr Jack Ogden, CEO, Gem-A. Potential attendees will include those from the jewellery trade, residents of neighbouring Gulf states, interested members of the public, GCC nationals and study-tourists. Shorter natural pearl courses will also be available for those interested in a lighter introduction to pearls and the Gulf.