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 <strong>Nov</strong>ember-<strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2017</strong>
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