- The disappearance of industrial-scale pearling in the Gulf has only served to increase the value and significance of the collection on display.
- Explore this section to learn more about pearls, the history and practice of pearling, and the people who dedicated their lives to the industry.
- What makes a pearl special?
- Size and weight
- Shape
- Colour
- Lustre
- Surface quality
- The art of pearl jewellery
- The pearls of the Gulf
- Origins - An ancient tradition
- Mythical, medicinal and magical
- How a pearl is formed
- The growth of pearling
- Life on board
- Diving for pearls
Captains and merchants
- The captains
- The merchants
- Onward from the Gulf
- The merchant's tally book
- Cultured Pearls
- Natural, cultured or fake?
- Relative values
- Zenith and Demise