MANAMA: Pearl and jewelry traders in Bahrain are being warned to refrain from selling cultivated pearls on the island.
The advisory has been issued by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, which recently seized a large cache of cultivated pearls from two foreigners at King Fahd Causeway.
The men were found carrying pearls weighing 8.25 kg. The seized items included necklaces, earrings, rings and loose pearls.
“We urge all jewelry traders and citizens to provide any information regarding the selling of cultivated pearls in Bahrain,” the ministry said in a statement.
The Directorate of Precious Metals and Gemstones (DPMG) at the ministry arrested the men following a tip-off. Inspectors were deployed at the causeway to locate the pearls and the men.
The two men were transferred to the public prosecutor for further legal action. The ministry warned that smuggling cultivated pearls violated Article 5 of Legislative Decree No. 10 of 1990, which stipulates control over trade of pearls and precious stones.
All markets are now being closely monitored by the authorities. Inspectors are also carrying out regular inspections of jewelry shops.
Cultivated or cultured pearls are intentionally grown by introducing an irritant or substrate inside the shell of a mollusc.
Bahrain is the only country in the world that prohibits trade in cultivated pearls. The prohibition is designed to maintain the legitimacy and heritage of the country as a home to natural pearls.
