The Pearl Story
‘There is no greater gift a man can give a woman than a pearl from the Arabian seas.’
Pearls are earth’s intimate treasures and have been revered since civilization began. Life in the Gulf region has been entwined with the jewel of the ocean for over 7000 years; primarily, oysters were collected for their edible flesh and their shells used in decoration, but sometimes an oyster would be home to a beautiful pearl.
The total excitement and bewilderment of opening up a hard, barnacle-encrusted shell to be confronted by a spherical white bead, with such an intense luster and shine, is as emotionally charged today, as it would have been 7000 years ago.
Pearls are earth’s intimate treasures and have been revered since civilization began. Life in the Gulf region has been entwined with the jewel of the ocean for over 7000 years; primarily, oysters were collected for their edible flesh and their shells used in decoration, but sometimes an oyster would be home to a beautiful pearl.
The total excitement and bewilderment of opening up a hard, barnacle-encrusted shell to be confronted by a spherical white bead, with such an intense luster and shine, is as emotionally charged today, as it would have been 7000 years ago.
Flower of Immortality
'Flower of Immortality' Set - Inspired by the myth and epic of Gelgamish in his search for the flower of immortality
Lunar Pearl
'Lunar Pearl' Earrings - by Sarah Ho - London
Pearl of Arabia
'Pearl of Arabia' Ring - by Sarah Ho - London
It is therefore of no surprise that something of such beauty was revered and cherished, becoming a symbol of purity and rarity. Today, this beauty, as well as the complex creation of pearls, still intrigues and excites; this is particularly true for Abdulla Al Suwaidi who is determined to grow and protect the legacy of Gulf pearls for future generations through his company.
His aim to reintroduce pearl fishing to the Gulf through his company Suwaidi Pearls, based in the United Arab Emirates, is built on years of experience and planning, but also stems from a drive to find a way for others to be able to share in his love and respect for Gulf pearls.
The relationship between pearls and the Gulf stretches back thousands of years, demonstrating the profound effect these natural jewels can have on those who are fortunate enough to find them.
Recent archaeological excavations in Umm Al Quwain, UAE, have revealed a pearl that has been dated to 5500 BC, making it the oldest known pearl in the world. This discovery occurred only 70 kilometers from Al Rams where Suwaidi Pearls raise their oysters, highlighting how the Gulf people’s love and respect for pearls has grown over millennia.
From antiquity to the present, pearls have always been highly important in the Gulf region, not only as a symbol for growing prosperity and nationhood, but also for their role in cultural ceremonies that shaped the identity of the Gulf people. Abdulla, has a symbiotic relationship with pearls: the history of the pearl has made him who he is, whilst his high esteem for these oceanic gems has driven him to secure their heritage and future.
His aim to reintroduce pearl fishing to the Gulf through his company Suwaidi Pearls, based in the United Arab Emirates, is built on years of experience and planning, but also stems from a drive to find a way for others to be able to share in his love and respect for Gulf pearls.
The relationship between pearls and the Gulf stretches back thousands of years, demonstrating the profound effect these natural jewels can have on those who are fortunate enough to find them.
Recent archaeological excavations in Umm Al Quwain, UAE, have revealed a pearl that has been dated to 5500 BC, making it the oldest known pearl in the world. This discovery occurred only 70 kilometers from Al Rams where Suwaidi Pearls raise their oysters, highlighting how the Gulf people’s love and respect for pearls has grown over millennia.
From antiquity to the present, pearls have always been highly important in the Gulf region, not only as a symbol for growing prosperity and nationhood, but also for their role in cultural ceremonies that shaped the identity of the Gulf people. Abdulla, has a symbiotic relationship with pearls: the history of the pearl has made him who he is, whilst his high esteem for these oceanic gems has driven him to secure their heritage and future.
About LOULOUY?
Loulouy is an inspiration and admiration of Abdulla Rashid Al Suwaidi "The Pearls Diver" ! It represents the ownership and freedom of being creative and making the Pearl and all its elements versatile. It’s a brand that represent various ranges of creative and innovative ideas and products! Ranging from fine arts, contemporary jewelry, ornaments, decorative pieces, cosmetics, corporate gifts and souvenirs.
This initiative was born in the midst of what else could be done with thousands of remaining 90% of harvests and shells. Knowing that the Pearls and all their elements are the product of the sea rich and diverse in minerals, beauty, colors, shapes, and sizes.
Loulouy in Arabic means my Pearl! It's personal and versatile and energizes the brain to explore the depth and journey of a creative mind and soul. Pearls can travel from being simple jewelry to adorning the tables and walls and finally rejuvenating the bodies and soul. It’s a journey of a product that will inspire artists, designers, customers, and partners from all walks of life.
Loulouy tell tales and stories of each creative piece and collection making it very personal, special, and inspirational to the one who will own it.
Loulouy in Arabic means my Pearl! It's personal and versatile and energizes the brain to explore the depth and journey of a creative mind and soul. Pearls can travel from being simple jewelry to adorning the tables and walls and finally rejuvenating the bodies and soul. It’s a journey of a product that will inspire artists, designers, customers, and partners from all walks of life.
Loulouy tell tales and stories of each creative piece and collection making it very personal, special, and inspirational to the one who will own it.
Pearls Journey Through The World
The Mughal Empire, founded in 1526 in the northern Indian Subcontinent, was renowned for its use of pearls in its people's jewelry.
Queen Elizabeth I of England, a renowned European nobility and royalty, was known for her enduring love for pearls, often wearing long strands of them.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Baroque art and culture gained popularity in Europe, particularly Italy, with people favoring large Baroque style pearls.
From 1910 to 1930, Art Deco design style, characterized by linear symmetry, was prevalent in architecture, furniture, fashion, and jewelry worldwide, differing from Art Nouveau's flowing curves.
Louis XV and Louis XVI influenced France's Rococo art and culture, with Marie Antoinette's extravagant spending and simple jewelry style often showcasing pearl necklaces.
Coco Chanel opened a hat shop in 1910 and introduced her first fashion line in 1914, featuring modern feminine styles and pearl jewels as accessories.
The First Lady of USA, Jacqueline Kennedy adored the three strand pearl necklace style and she was seen often with this look.
Grace Kelly, a Hollywood actress who later became princess of Monaco, is seen wearing a Choker style pearl necklace.
Emirates Pearling History
Due to its strategic location on the sea, the UAE was a site that witnessed the succession of civilizations through the ages through the identification of sites dating back to 7000 years through the discovery of archaeologists in several locations such as the island of Marwah and the island of Umm al-Nar in Abu Dhabi, the Malihah area of Sharjah and other archaeological sites The other Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah.
Recent archaeological excavations in Umm Al Quwain in 2012 revealed the presence of pearl dating back to 5500 BC, making it the oldest known pearl found in the world. As some historical documents referred to Gulf pearls in the first century AD.
This is evident from the historical pearl document written by the Roman
Scholar Pliny the Elder with his famous book The History of Nature, when
he referred to the sweeping part of his book on pearls that the most beautiful and attractive pearls are the Arabian pearls.
Scholar Pliny the Elder with his famous book The History of Nature, when
he referred to the sweeping part of his book on pearls that the most beautiful and attractive pearls are the Arabian pearls.
It is also mentioned in the history of a number of historians that the United Arab Emirates in particular. And Julfar in particular is one of the most important pearl centers because of its geographical location between the Pearl centers and the Strait of Hormuz. At the beginning of the 17th century, Julfar became the first major center in the Gulf region to produce the best pearls. The history of many Emirati families has been associated with the history of pearl diving in the Gulf, where the relationship dates back to more than seven hundred years during which generations passed on the love of pearl generation after generation to the ancient civilization of Galfar. The work of pearl diving in the past has been embedded in the culture of daily life and its traditions for all residents of the Julfar region.