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The Bahrain Pearls: Treasures from the Land of Two Seas (Ultimate Collection) chronicles the deep history of pearl diving, trading, and jewelry making in Bahrain, spanning from the ancient Dilmun civilization through to modern times. It traces how the oyster banks of the Arabian Gulf dominated global pearl trade for millennia, with Bahrain serving as the central hub, a legacy now recognized through the UNESCO World Heritage site in Muharraq. Featuring evocative narrative text alongside extensive photography, the volume documents the craftsmanship and artistry behind Bahrain's natural pearl jewelry, highlighting the country's distinction as one of the few places that harvests only natural pearls from protected oyster beds. The Ultimate Collection format presents this cultural and historical account in a comprehensive edition suited to those seeking an in-depth exploration of Bahrain's pearl heritage.
The story of Bahrain's pearls stretches back in the mists of time. For millennia the oyster banks around the Arabian Gulf dominated all others, and the headquarters for the pearl trade was Bahrain. Pearl diving in the region dates from the Dilmun and Tylos periods (2200 BCE-300 CE), names for Bahrain in ancient times, when the island was already a center for international trade. Pearls powered the economy of the island kingdom for centuries, and Bahrain's importance as a center for natural pearls is reflected in the nation's culture. Today, the streets of Muharraq bustle with locals and visitors passing by the long-standing merchants' courtyards and houses preserved on the UNESCO World Heritage site titled Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy. Since the dawn of civilization, the Arabian Gulf region has been famous for its high-quality natural pearls, and today in this age of lab-grown gems astute jewel aficionados are appreciating anew the importance of Bahrain's precious natural pearls. Bahrain is one of the only places in the world that does not allow cultured pearls but harvests only natural pearls from protected oyster beds, fostering multigenerational families who proudly continue to create stunning jewelry with these rare gems from the sea.Available in Classic and Ultimate Collection formats, Bahrain Pearls narrates the deep history of pearl diving, trading, and jewelry making in Bahrain, from the ancient Dilmun civilization to modern times. With evocative narrative text and gorgeous photography, this volume showcases the craftsmanship and artistry that define Bahrain's rich pearl heritage and the country's unique cultural legacy.
