Dubai and UAE blog - יוצאים מהקופסא

The Pearl: Queen of Gemstones – What Makes It So Special?

admin — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:08:03 +0000

What Is a Pearl? Is It a Precious Gem, a Living Organism – or Both?

Everything You Wanted to know about Pearls and more: How Are Pearls made today? Types, Uses, History, and Legends...

The shores of the Persian Gulf have been known as one of the world’s main sources of pearls for thousands of years.

I was first introduced to the fascinating world of pearls during a tour of a pearl farm in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, in the United Arab Emirates. The journey continued in Dubai and other locations dedicated to this rare field that bridges the world of living nature with the world of gemstones.

The Al Suwaidi family from the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has been engaged in pearl diving for many generations.
At the beginning of the century, their pearl farm underwent a transformation and opened its doors to tourists and visitors, offering a glimpse into the secrets of this traditional trade.
Suwaidi Pearls farm is essentially a large floating platform and boat dock, located north of Ras Al Khaimah city and accessible via a short boat ride.

Historical Background of the World of Pearls

The earliest known evidence of human fascination with pearls dates back around 8,000 years.
In ancient times, people didn’t understand how pearls were formed, and many myths arose to explain their mysterious origin. Some believed that moonlight striking an open oyster floating on the sea at night created a pearl, while others thought it was formed by a drop of rain falling into the shell.

Since antiquity, the majority of the world’s pearls, about 80% came from the Persian Gulf. From there, they were exported to India, the Far East, Sri Lanka, and later to Europe. For centuries, and even millennia, pearls were among the most precious resources in the world. The number of pearls in one’s crown or vault served as a symbol of wealth and status among royalty and nobility.

The fact that Dubai and Abu Dhabi served as key hubs in the pearl trade is what originally turned them into regional powers, long before the discovery and exploitation of oil fields in the 20th century.

Traditional Pearl Diving

Pearl harvesting was a demanding and dangerous craft carried out from special boats that sailed the sea. Each vessel hosted about 20 crew members, but only 2 to 3 of them were expert divers, skilled enough to plunge deep beneath the waves.

These boats would embark on their pearl diving season for roughly four months from May through August.

The rest of the crew played vital roles: the sailors navigating the waters, cooks preparing meals to keep the men fueled, and caretakers managing the delicate equipment.

Every diver was accompanied by a personal helper, whose critical job was to haul the diver safely back onto the boat after each challenging dive.

The traditional diving gear was simple yet essential: a heavy stone, a woven basket, a rope, and a nose clip made from tortoise shell. The diver would sink deep into the water using the weight of the stone, collecting as many oysters as possible in the basket.

When air ran low, he would signal his assistant to pull him rapidly back to the surface. Each dive lasted between 2 to 5 minutes, at depths of 30 to 50 meters.

Traditional Pearl Diving Risks

On average, only one high-quality pearl could be harvested from every 100 oysters gathered from the deep sea.

And that’s not even mentioning the pirates, who eagerly awaited the pearl boats returning after a whole season, laden with their precious catch …

The divers’ work was extremely dangerous and took a heavy toll on their health over time. For at least four months each year, divers would descend daily for 50 to 200 deep dives, gradually damaging their bodies. This condition, known as barotrauma, results from the physical harm caused by pressure differences inside body tissues.

In addition to the physical strain, the waters held other dangers: sharks, stinging coral, venomous fish — just a few of the many threats. A nose clip slipping at depth could prove fatal. Prolonged exposure to salty water also caused cumulative damage to their eyesight, sometimes leading to blindness.

How to Properly Care for Pearl Jewelry

Pearls are very delicate to the touch! Sweat, body lotion, any acidic liquid, and even perfume can cause irreversible damage to them.

To maintain the quality of your jewelry, after each use or contact, clean every pearl with clean water (without soap or any other substances) and gently wipe it with a soft cotton cloth.

The Beginning of the Cultured Pearl Era

Around 1940, the Japanese discovered methods to cultivate pearls artificially. At the same time, with the rise of sea pollution, habitat destruction, and over-harvesting of oysters, nearly all pearls available on the market today come from cultured pearl farming.

Suwaidi Pearls farm also transitioned to cultured pearl production in 2005.

So how is a pearl formed, and what is the difference between a natural pearl and a cultured (artificial) pearl?

Naturally, the oyster remains tightly closed almost all the time. A pearl is the oyster’s response to a foreign object that has entered its shell.

Naturally, the foreign object can be a parasite, physical injury, grains of sand, or crabs trying to open the oyster to feed. The oyster then begins to build protective layers around the irritant, and over several years, a pearl is formed. The layers coating the foreign body are made of the same material and color as the inner lining of the oyster (the mother-of-pearl).

In cultured pearl farms, a similar process is carried out, but it is intentional. When oysters reach a certain size, a small piece of mother-of-pearl is implanted inside them. The oyster recognizes this as a foreign object and starts coating it with layers of pearl. After about two to three years, a beautiful pearl is produced.

Unlike natural pearls, with cultured pearls you can predict in advance the type and color of the pearl that will form, and the pearls tend to be rounder and more uniform. Additionally, almost every implanted oyster will produce a pearl.

Better for the environment

An important factor is that cultured pearl farming has minimal impact on the marine environment, unlike natural pearl harvesting, which causes significant damage to marine habitats.

What Determines the Value (Price) of a Pearl?

Different types of oysters produce pearls in various colors. The value assessment is based on five parameters:

- Size or weight
- Color: Pearls come in five main shades: white, greenish, pink, cream, black, and bluish. White is the most common and sought-after, while bluish is the rarest. Of course, there are also intermediate hues of each type.
- Shape: A perfectly round pearl has high value, but interestingly, natural pearls with “imperfect” shapes are often valued even more.
- Luster or shine level
- Surface uniformity

The Significance of Pearls in Ancient Cultures

Throughout history, pearls have held deep symbolic and cultural significance across civilizations.

The ancient Egyptians buried (and embalmed) their dead with their most treasured possessions including pearls, believing these precious gems would accompany them into the afterlife.
In China, pearls adorned the crowns of emperors and the sacred statues of Buddha, symbolizing purity and spiritual power.
In ancient Greece, pearls were regarded as a symbol of love and marriage, cherished as tokens of devotion.
In ancient Israel, it was believed that pearls came from the Garden of Eden, placed there by God as divine ornaments.

At the Crossroads of Civilizations Museum in Dubai, an entire wing is dedicated to the rich pearl culture – a testament to their timeless allure and significance.

Facinating Facts About Pearls – Out of the Box

Pearls are the only gemstones created by living organisms.
Pearls are the only gemstones that grow over time.
The color of the oyster determines the color (type and value) of the pearl.
Pearls dissolve in acidic liquids such as vinegar, wine, and orange juice.
Natural pearls are often more valued precisely because of their imperfections and irregularities.
Growing a pearl to a commercial size takes between two to five years.

The Story of Cleopatra and the Pearl

Cleopatra, the legendary queen of ancient Egypt, was known not only for her beauty and political savvy but also for her flair for the dramatic. One of the most famous stories about her involves a bold wager with Marcus Antonius, one of Rome’s greatest military commanders. Cleopatra claimed she could host the most expensive meal in history! A challenge Antonius eagerly accepted.

To prove her point, Cleopatra presented a simple glass filled with vinegar at the banquet. As the guests watched in anticipation, she took the most valuable pearl she owned, a gem said to be unmatched in size and purity – and dropped it into the glass.
The pearl slowly dissolved in the acidic vinegar, and with a confident smile, Cleopatra drank the entire contents of the glass, turning what seemed to be a humble drink into a display of unimaginable wealth.

Stunned and defeated, Marcus Antonius conceded that she had indeed won the bet.

Their lives afterward were marked by passion and turmoil. Cleopatra and Antonius moved between Egypt and Rome, caught in the swirling tides of politics and war. Their story ended tragically in 30 BCE during the Roman civil war, when both took their own lives in Egypt, forever sealing their names in history as tragic lovers and powerful figures.

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Discover Ras Al Khaimah

admin — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 13:33:40 +0000

Discover Ras Al Khaimah - From Desert Dunes to Mountain Peaks

A Unique Journey Through Mountains, Sea, and Desert

Ras Al Khaimah is the northern-most emirate of the United Arab Emirates, located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, about one hour drive from Dubai.
This northern emirate is a popular tourist destination thanks to its diverse vacation options, including fine dining, luxurious hotels, and thrilling adventure activities.

The name Ras Al Khaimah means “the top of the tent pole” – the tall central stake that gives the tent its height. It’s a fitting name, as the emirate is home to Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in all the Emirates.

Though Ras Al Khaimah is less familiar to worldwide tourists compared to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, it offers a unique variety of experiences.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful and luxurious getaway, a stylish desert party, or thrilling outdoor adventures, Ras Al Khaimah is without a doubt one of the most recommended and fascinating destinations.

In addition to its beaches, Ras Al Khaimah offers a wide range of nature and mountain activities. You can visit the highest peak in the UAE, go on desert safaris, and explore local culture, oases, and native wildlife. There are also options for mountain biking, hiking through stunning water lagoons, or enjoying a picnic on the region’s beautiful hills.

Where is Ras Al Khaimah and How to Get There?

Ras Al Khaimah is located 106 km from Dubai — about a 1 hour and 15 minute drive. You can also reach it via international or domestic flights from Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Unique Sites and Attractions in Ras Al Khaimah – out of the box and off the beaten path.

Jebel Jais – The Highest Mountain in the UAE

The northern emirate proudly boasts the highest mountain of all seven emirates – Jebel Jais, reaching an impressive height of 1,950 meters. A well-paved, winding road leads you almost all the way to the summit.

Along the route, you’ll find interesting sites, hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, restaurants, and cafés. In the higher areas, there are various attractions and outdoor sports activities (it’s recommended to book tickets in advance).

Dhayah Fort

Dhayah Fort, built in a medieval castle style, is on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. It stands majestically among towering mountains, deep wadis, and lush oases. The fort was constructed next to an oasis and is surrounded by palm trees, offering panoramic views of green landscapes and even neighboring Oman.

The Corniche and Lagoon Cruise

In the evening, when the heat subsides, locals head out for a stroll along the lagoon — to eat, drink, meet friends, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Night Cruise – Ras Al Khaimah Cruise:
A panoramic dinner cruise where you can see the Ferris wheel, the Grand Mosque, the corniche, the marina, and more – all beautifully lit at night.

Suwaidi Pearl Farm

The Persian Gulf beaches have been known as one of the world’s primary sources of pearls for thousands of years. The Suwaidi family from the Ras Al Khaimah emirate has been involved in pearl diving for many generations.

At the beginning of the century, the pearl farm underwent a transformation and opened its doors to tourists and visitors, who can now learn some of the secrets of this traditional trade. Discover the dangers that pearl divers faced in ancient times, the different types of pearls, how pearl quality is determined, and the modern advancements in cultured pearl farming. – Everything you wanted to know about pearls.

The Historic Fishing Village – Al Jazeera Al Hamra

Al Jazeera Al Hamra is a village built entirely from seashells and coral remains. Originally, it was established by families from the Zaab tribe who were pearl divers. In the late 1960s, the residents abandoned the village, and today, around 500 buildings have been preserved as a historic heritage site and open-air museum. The village also hosts art exhibitions and performances.

The name Al Jazeera Al Hamra means “The Red Island.”

The Al Jazeera Al Hamra Art Festival is held annually around February, creating a unique atmosphere with artworks and installations from across the Emirates and artists from around the world.
Admission is free.

Desert Music Festivals

There’s nothing quite like the desert landscape as a backdrop for a music festival featuring top DJs and world-class video artists.
One festival is the Desert Groove, which is held in the heart of the desert, hosts dozens of DJs, stages, stalls, and all kinds of exciting activities. This festival takes place every year (be sure to check the event’s official website for the latest details).

Important Note: The United Arab Emirates and its citizens and residents are friendly, polite, and hospitable. However, please remember that it is a conservative Muslim country, so it’s important to behave respectfully and observe the local customs and etiquette.

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