World famous Arco Valley Pearl resurfaces in the UAE

The 575 carat beauty is expected to raise USD6-8 million at a specially created pearl evening which will feature a gala dinner and entertainment. The auction to be held under the patronage of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry is expected to set the stage for the revival of a virtually defunct regional pearl industry.

Proceeds will fund the Gulf Pearl travelling museum that aims to widen the appeal and allure of pearls to a global audience. The event also sees support from Dubai Central Laboratory, The Luxury Marketing Council, Emirates Palace Hotel and the National Bank of Abu Dhabi.

"Pearls are a real asset and a good investment as they provide a storehouse of value. Cyclical changes play an important role in pearl market, and the recent years have witnessed a renewed interest them. We aim to provide an opportunity for pearl collectors and investors to interact closely. We need everyone's support to make this event a success," said Khaled Al Sayegh, the driving force behind the revival and a well respected pearl trader from the region. Locally based auction house Lifestyle Auctions have been specially commissioned to oversee the auction process.

"We are very honoured and privileged to support this event with our professional verification at the Dubai Gemstone Laboratory which is the first and only internationally recognized gem testing laboratory in the Middle East by the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) and accredited by ministry of economy of United Arab Emirates as National Gem and Jewellery Testing Centre. Moreover, the laboratory is the first and the only ISO 9001:2000 certified entity and is supported by Dubai government," said Eng. Salah AbdulRahman Amiri, director of Dubai Central Laboratory.

"The pearl is baroque in form, which means it is of an irregular shape, and is classified as a "natural blister pearl". It measures 79 x 41 x 34 mm and is white in colour with overtones of pink and yellow," said Abdalla Al Muaini, Head of Dubai Gemstone Laboratory

Also for auction will be a series of rare and precious pearls.