BizBahrain Magazine Nov-Dec 2017

Interview | Al Hashimi Pearls
centuries. Pollution, water traffic are also causes. Today, natural
pearls are extremely rare. Only 1 in about 10,000 wild oysters
will yield a pearl and of those, only a small percentage achieve
the size, shape and colour that the jewellery industry looks for.
A cultured pearl undergoes the same process but the
irritant is a surgically implanted bead or piece of shell called
Mother of Pearl. Quality cultured pearls also require a sufficient
amount of time - generally at least 3 years - for a thick layer of
nacre to be deposited, resulting in gem-quality pearl. Lowerquality
cultured pearls have often been taken out of the oyster
too quickly and have a very thin coat of nacre. People who
know about natural pearls, only want to buy natural pearls. It’s
like those who buy diamonds, will not be happy with Zircon.
The natural pearl likewise, is beyond comparison. It is the
creation of God and a gift to mankind.
Do you see a pearl through from the start to the finish?
We are specialised
in pearls, which means
that we have a proper
process for the pearls at
every stage - to grade, to
assort, to clean, to string
and work with designers
We are blessed by the sweet waters
surrounding Bahrain, which nurtures
the finest quality of pearls.
to create beautiful pieces. We match pearls with other precious
and semi precious gemstones - unique and very beautiful
combinations.
For a customer, it is important to go to known jewellers
and well educated about what they are selling. We use very
high quality pearl, and that is the reason why you get the
value back of your investment in the pearl, and when it
passes down from generation to generation you know it is
an heirloom. This is not just a piece of jewellery but history
passed down through the years.
For Jewellery Arabia this year, what is special? What new
innovations and surprises will you show at Jewellery Arabia?
In Jewellery Arabia we are planning to highlight two
things-one, a new kind of craftsmanship, showing a different
way that we are now working with pearls, to launch the same
piece of pearl jewellery in a different style of workmanship.
The second highlight
is our work with
gemstones. We are trying
to develop the designs,
using diamonds and
feroze and corals and
so on to create beautiful
pieces of jewellery. The
trend of the traditional is coming back, so we are creating
this new line, which celebrates the traditional styles with a
different craftsmanship and combination.
Why is it that you have kept your business with just one store
and not expanded to more?
Customers know me from this market. I want to be here
in this old part of the city, which is a landmark in Bahrain.
My customers know where to find me. When you visit any
country you always visit the traditional markets. You go
to Istanbul. You will never leave Istanbul you never leave
without visiting the old market - the Grand Bazaar. It is
forever. There may be 5 malls but the old market is always
special. People love to visit here.
The second thing is that every piece of jewellery that we
sell, that is delivered to the consumer, is completely quality
controlled by me to my satisfaction. I overlook everything from
buying a pearl, designing, grading, fixing on the pearls and so
on. I can therefore give a surety and guarantee to my customers
because I am myself confident when I know it. My name and
reputation is very important to me. In this trade people are not
just coming here because of the jewellery, but they are seeing
my name and entering the store.
So every piece that you design and sell and someone buys is an
investment.
Every piece is selected by me personally. This business
runs only on patience and dedication. We have started our
exhibitions around the world and what feedback we are getting
is unimaginable. If you notice the Queen of England wears a
three-strand necklace, that is genuine Bahraini natural pearls
supplied from Bahrain, This is the kind of record we have.
82 November-December 2017