Nine-Row Pearl Necklace That Captures Bahrain’s Legacy

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

At Jewellery Arabia, Al Mahmood Pearls presented a dazzling nine-row pearl necklace that is more than just a showpiece—it's a testament to perseverance, heritage, and craftsmanship spanning nearly 31 years. This exquisite creation, a true highlight of Bahrain’s rich pearl legacy, reflects the dedication of generations that have preserved the Kingdom’s traditional pearl industry.

Decades of Dedication

The journey of this necklace began with a seven-row design, taking 27 years to complete, built on precision and patience. However, the story didn’t end there. Mohamed Abdulrazzaq Al Mahmood, CEO of Al Mahmood Pearls, shared that his father’s original vision was transformed into a nine-row masterpiece. “Just three weeks before the exhibition, we reviewed our collection and, by God’s grace, found matching pearls to add two more rows. In total, this necklace took nearly 31 years to finish,” he explained.

Creating such a piece involves an intricate process. Each pearl must be sourced, evaluated, and matched for lustre and quality—tasks requiring extraordinary skill. Unlike many necklaces on the global market, Bahraini pearl jewellery stands out for its unparalleled consistency and craftsmanship, a distinction recognized by luxury brands like Cartier.

Legacy of Pearls

Bahrain’s pearl heritage dates back over 7,000 years, cementing the Kingdom’s position as a global leader in pearl diving and trading. Bahraini ‘Tawash,’ or pearl merchants, supplied treasures that adorned royalty worldwide, including the late Queen Elizabeth II, who famously cherished her Bahraini pearl necklace.

Preserving Tradition

Today, families like the Al Mahmood dynasty continue to preserve this rich legacy. “There’s an old Arabic saying, ‘Al-Ghaniyya Al-Faqeer,’ meaning ‘the richest but the poorest,’” Al Mahmood explained. “It reflects the devotion of pearl merchants who reinvest everything into their craft.”

The nine-row necklace is more than just a piece of jewellery—it is a symbol of Bahrain’s history, artistry, and enduring mastery in natural pearls.