A Guide To Buying Pearls In Bahrain

Bahrain is known for its natural pearls, which are considered some of the world's greatest treasures. The country has a long history of pearling, with divers risking their lives for centuries to hunt for these gems in the oyster beds surrounding the islands. Today, it is the only country in the world to have banned the cultivation of artificial pearls, making its natural pearls highly sought-after. With this in mind, here is a guide to buying pearls in Bahrain.

Where to buy pearls in Bahrain

Bahrain is known for its natural pearls, which are the only variety produced in the Gulf Kingdom. The country has banned the cultivation of artificial pearls, so you can be sure that when buying pearls in Bahrain, you are getting the real deal.

One of the best places to buy pearls in Bahrain is the Bab el-Bahrain Souk in Manama. This traditional market is the ideal place to buy jewellery, with loads of small shops selling all kinds of gold, stones, and, of course, natural Bahrain pearls. You can even get custom-made jewellery, which can be ready in as little as a day or two.

If you're looking for something a little more high-end, try the Manama Pearl Factory. This jewellery shop, located near the Tawawish road, specialises in manufacturing jewellery made from 21-carat Bahraini gold studded with natural pearls. They offer a combination of modern and traditional jewellery, including rings, bracelets, and necklaces.

For those interested in the history of pearling in Bahrain, a visit to Muharraq is a must. This area in Bahrain's north is home to ""the last remaining complete example of the cultural tradition of pearling", according to UNESCO. Here, you can see oyster beds and a fortress where wooden sailboats called dhows used to set off on pearling voyages.

Finally, for those who want to be sure they are getting authentic natural pearls, the Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT) offers pearl appraisal services. They use modern machinery and the naked eye to scrutinise pearls and can provide you with peace of mind that your purchase is genuine.

How to identify real pearls

Real pearls are stunning and valuable, but with so many counterfeits and imitations on the market, it can be challenging to know if a pearl is real. Here are some detailed and direct instructions on how to identify genuine pearls.

Touch and Temperature

One of the simplest ways to identify a real pearl is by touch. Real pearls tend to be cool to the touch initially and then warm up against your skin. Fake plastic pearls will be the same temperature as the room, while glass pearls may feel cool at first but take longer to warm up compared to genuine pearls.

Visual Inspection

When examining a pearl closely, look for tiny irregularities, ridges, bumps, or pits on its surface. Real pearls often have slight imperfections, and no two natural pearls are identical. If the pearls are completely perfect and identical in shape, size, colour, and surface characteristics, they are likely imitations.

Additionally, real pearls often have an overtone—a translucent colour that appears over the main pearl colour. This is especially noticeable in fine-quality pearls, which may exhibit hints of pink or green. Fake pearls, on the other hand, usually have only one uniform colour and lack the depth and spectacular overtones of genuine pearls.

Shape

Real pearls come in a variety of shapes, including oval, button, near-round, circled, coin, drop, and the totally irregular baroque. Perfectly round pearls are rare and command a higher price. Even with a strand of real pearls that appear round, slight differences in shape can be observed. If the pearls are completely identical in shape, they are likely machine-made.

Surface Feel

Both natural and cultured pearls have a textured surface due to their layered nacre structure. When you rub the pearls lightly against each other, your teeth, or a glass surface, they should feel slightly gritty. Fake pearls, on the other hand, usually feel smooth or glassy.

Weight

Real pearls often feel heavier than fake ones. Gently tossing them in your hand can help you feel the weight difference. However, this test may not work with high-quality imitation pearls made from solid glass beads, which can weigh more than real pearls.

Drill Holes

The drill holes in real pearls are typically very small and crisp, with no material build-up or buckling of nacre layers around them. In contrast, imitation pearls often have larger drill holes with uneven material build-up or chipped coating around them.

Tooth Test

The tooth test is a common method to check pearl authenticity. Gently rub the pearl against your front teeth. A real pearl will feel slightly gritty, while fake plastic or glass pearls will feel smooth. However, some fake pearls now have a special coating to mimic the grittiness of real pearls, so this test may not always be accurate.

Vinegar Test

You can also differentiate real pearls from fake ones using vinegar. Put a drop of vinegar on the pearl or submerge it in vinegar. A real pearl will dissolve or show signs of erosion due to the chemical reaction between the acid in the vinegar and the calcium carbonate in the pearl. Fake pearls will not be affected by vinegar since they do not have the same chemical composition.

X-ray

X-raying a pearl can reveal "growth lines" that distinguish natural pearls from cultured ones. This advanced test can be performed in a gemological laboratory for a more conclusive result.

Buy from Reputable Sellers

The most foolproof way to ensure you are buying real pearls is to purchase them from reputable sellers and specialised retailers. Reputable jewellers will tell you whether the pearls are real or fake and provide a certificate of authenticity.

History of Bahrain's pearl industry

The history of Bahrain's pearl industry dates back over 4,000 years, with the ancient name for Bahrain, Tylos, being synonymous with pearls. The Roman author, naturalist, and philosopher Pliny wrote about Tylos being "famous for the vast number of its pearls". The golden age of pearling in Bahrain is said to have been between the 1850s and 1930, when pearls were more valuable than diamonds.

During this time, Bahrain's pearling industry was centred in Muharraq, the country's capital from 1810 to 1923. The city was home to the largest number of pearl divers and the largest fleet of pearling vessels in the Arabian Gulf. The pearl trade was the principal industry in Bahrain prior to the discovery of oil in 1932 and contributed three-quarters of the country's total exports in 1877.

The pearling economy in Bahrain relied on a complex system of trade and support industries. Pearl merchants, divers, dhow captains, boat builders, timber merchants, and general goods suppliers were all part of this network. The pearling season was a community-wide endeavour, with men from across the Gulf arriving in Bahrain to work on the dhows. The outcome of the pearling season provided the livelihood for many local residents, including merchants, creditors, boat owners, captains, divers, haulers, and sailmakers.

However, the pearling industry in Bahrain began to decline in the early 20th century due to a combination of factors, including wars, price crashes, the arrival of cheap cultivated pearls, and the Wall Street crash. By the 1930s, the industry had collapsed, and most divers switched to the newly founded oil sector. Today, Bahrain is the only country in the world to have banned the cultivation of artificial pearls, with natural pearls continuing to be prized for their rarity and uniqueness.

How to haggle for pearls in Bahrain

Bahrain is known for its natural pearls, which are highly sought after due to their rarity and unique characteristics. If you're looking to buy pearls in Bahrain, here are some tips on how to haggle like a pro and get the best deals:

Know the Market

Before you start haggling, it's essential to understand the pearl market in Bahrain. Do some research on the types of pearls available, their quality, and the average price range. This will help you set a reasonable expectation for the prices you should be paying.

Visit Bab el-Bahrain Souk

The Bab el-Bahrain Souk in Manama is a famous marketplace known for its jewellery shops. It's a great place to start your pearl hunt as it offers a wide variety of options and is a popular tourist destination. With three floors of shops, you'll have plenty of opportunities to find what you're looking for and practice your haggling skills.

Compare Prices

Don't settle for the first price you're offered. Take your time to browse through different shops and compare prices. This will give you a better understanding of the market value and help you negotiate a better deal. Remember, prices are often flexible, and shop owners expect a certain level of haggling.

Start Haggling

When you find a pearl piece you're interested in, it's time to negotiate. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Start by offering a lower price than what you're willing to pay. This gives you room to negotiate.
• Be respectful and friendly. Haggling is a common practice in Bahrain, and shop owners are used to it. Remain polite and maintain a pleasant attitude throughout the negotiation.
• Be confident but not aggressive. Firmly state your offers and be willing to walk away if you don't get the price you're aiming for.
• Use body language to your advantage. Show your interest in the product, but don't appear too eager.
• Be open to counteroffers. Haggling is a back-and-forth process, so be prepared to make concessions and find a middle ground that works for both parties.

Custom-Made Jewellery

If you're looking for something truly unique, consider custom-made jewellery. Many shops in Bab el-Bahrain Souk offer this service, and it can be a great way to get a special piece at a reasonable price. Discuss your budget and preferences with the jeweller, and don't be afraid to haggle for the best deal.

Remember, haggling is an art, and it takes practice to master. Keep a sense of humour and enjoy the process of negotiating for your perfect pearl souvenir from Bahrain.

How to care for pearls

Pearls are organic gemstones that require careful maintenance to preserve their radiance. Here are some detailed instructions on how to care for your pearls:

Storage

Store your pearls in a soft container, such as a pouch or a compartmentalised jewellery box, to prevent scratching by metal or other sharp objects. Avoid airtight packages like plastic bags, as pearls need moisture. In particularly dry environments, consider leaving a damp cloth nearby.

Cleaning

Use a soft, dry cloth, such as a microfiber cloth for glasses, to gently wipe your pearls and remove any sweat, perfume, excess oils, or dirt. Do not use soap and water, as this can damage the threads. For imitation pearls, a baby wipe can be used to remove dirt, followed by a microfiber cloth to wipe away any residue.

Application

Always apply perfume, hairspray, and cosmetics before putting on your pearls. These substances can damage the pearl surface and affect its lustre. Similarly, remove your pearls before exercising to keep them away from perspiration.

Water

Do not submerge your pearls in water. The chlorine in pools and tap water can damage the epoxy securing the pearls, and soaking the silk thread can cause it to stretch and break.

Restringing

Consider restringing your pearls once every two to three years, or more frequently if worn often. Ensure that each pearl is knotted separately, preferably with silk, to prevent them from rubbing together and causing wear.

Inspection

If you wear your pearls regularly, have them checked by a jeweller every six months to a year. If you inherit pearls, get them inspected, as their value may differ from what you expect.

Frequently asked questions