Manama, Sept. 24 (BNA): In the centre of historic Muharraq, where tradition meets modernity, the Pearl Museum at Siyadi Majlis showcased a rare collection of eight pieces of natural pearl adorned jewellery, belonging to the Al Zayani family.
This unique collection features the rich cultural exchange between East and West, and includes jewelry crafted by some of the world’s most renowned designers.
One of the most remarkable items on display is a natural pearl necklace consisting of thirty-seven graduated pearls, which belonged to Maharani Gayatri Devi, Consort of His Highness Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur, India. This necklace has previously been exhibited at international shows in Paris, Venice, and Beijing. The museum also features a palm-shaped brooch made of natural pearls and diamonds, designed by Cartier in 1950.
The collection also includes exquisite pieces by Bhagat, one of the most famous jewellery designers of the modern era, such as a pair of natural pearl and diamond earrings, along with a ring featuring a spinel stone, rose-cut diamonds, and natural pearls.
The collection includes natural pearl earrings designed by Saba, two natural pearl necklaces, and a pair of pearl and diamond earrings designed by Boghossian.
The Pearl Museum is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Pearling Path,” designed by Studio Anne Holtrop. The museum was awarded the title of Best New Museum of 2024 at the Monocle Magazine’s Design Awards and has received widespread media admiration for its unique design.
The “Pearling Path: Testimony of an Island Economy” project was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. It features a series of buildings, sites, and public squares that embody Bahrain’s rich heritage as the capital of pearl diving in the Gulf region.
Bahraini pearls formed the foundation of the kingdom’s economy for centuries before the discovery of oil, captivating people from around the world. The site was also awarded the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2019 and was listed among the top 100 places to visit worldwide by Time magazine in 2024.
Z.H, H.F, N.N
