For nearly four thousand years, pearls have captivated the hearts of those who seek beauty and luxury. In the enchanting land of Bahrain, these timeless jewels dangled from the necks of women, symbolizing elegance and rare glamour. Legends whisper of their origin: some say they are born from a drop of rain that falls into the oyster, while others believe they emerge from the embrace of foreign objects. 

Yet, recent scientific studies reveal a more profound truth. Pearls are formed when a the mollusk suffers an injury, or when the oyster is struck on its outer shell, prompting it to secrete a pearly white substance that envelops the source of irritation, transforming it into a precious gem. Composed of calcium carbonate, water, and organic matter, each pearl is a unique testament to nature’s artistry, created within the sanctuary of the oyster.

Bahrain, the Pearl of the Gulf, as the center of natural pearl trade in the region, refused to allow the possession of or trade in cultured pearls in its territory, despite the worldwide spread of the business.

Between 1933 and 1990 the Government of Bahrain issued three identical declarations preventing the import, export, transport, sale or possession of cultured or dyed pearls:

• The first decree was issued by the ruler of Bahrain, Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa (number 29, 1933).
• The second decree was issued by the ruler of Bahrain, Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa (number 1, 1949).
• The third decree by the ruler of Bahrain and its annexed territories Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa (number 10, 1990).

In 1990 as well, the government of Bahrain founded a laboratory for the inspection of pearls and precious stones and issued law decree number 10 for the control of pearls and previous stones.

Bahrain remained firmly committed to natural pearling and sought to support the committee formed in 1938 in New York City to curb the proliferation of cultured pearls. The committee also established a laboratory for the experiments and research that enables traders to differentiate natural pearls from cultured ones.

On November 5, 1938, the adviser to the Government of Bahrain asked Bahraini pearl traders to support this mission to preserve these jewels from being lost or forgotten.

Certain neighborhoods in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, have long been associated with the profession of pearling. For instance, “Al-Makhargah” refers to those who practice drilling pearls, known as Kharg. Additionally, many Bahraini family names are tied to their occupations, such as Al-Dalal (pearl dealer) and Al-Shakak (stringer of pearl necklaces), while generations of craftsmen specializing in shipbuilding and other pearling-related trades have similarly adopted names reflecting their heritage.

Pearls and the culture surrounding pearling are integral to the fabric of our society. Not only have neighborhood names been inspired by the professions within the pearling industry, but it has also influenced the naming of women. Names like Dana, which refers to a large, round “perfect” pearl—coveted by divers and merchants alike—have become cherished. Similarly, Lulwa, meaning "pearl," has gained popularity, as well is Juwan, derived from Jiwan (G1) further embedding the significance of pearls into our cultural identity.