October 14, Mumbai (BNA): The two-day “Advances in Gem & Diamond Research and Technology (AGDRT) 2025” symposium, which brought together top international gemmology specialists and researchers, was attended by the Bahrain Institute of Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT) in Mumbai, India, on September 22–23.
DANAT participates in AGDRT 2025 in Mumbai
Using a case study on Pinctada radiata as support, Ali Al Atawi, Laboratory Director at DANAT, gave a lecture on the traditional pearl bleaching techniques used in Bahrain at the occasion. Pearl bleaching reduces flaws and discolorations, eliminates any remaining organic material from the host oyster, and produces a more consistent white appearance. The study team compared 36 pearls before and after a conventional bleaching procedure using spectroscopic and fluorescence methods. The physical and optical differences between the outcomes were then evaluated, offering important information that helps differentiate naturally colored pearls from bleached ones.
Noora Jamsheer, CEO of DANAT, chaired the Pearls Technical Session virtually in a related session. She gave a summary of the Institute’s work and Bahrain’s long-standing pearl heritage, highlighting DANAT’s continued efforts to support and grow the pearl industry while illuminating the Kingdom’s historical and cultural legacy as a natural pearl center.
Prior to the discovery of oil, pearls were one of the most important pillars of trade in the Gulf region for centuries, carrying with them the stories of civilization and history throughout the region. Jamsheer pointed out that Bahrain has long been recognized as the home of natural pearls and a center of craftsmanship and artistry associated with them, establishing pearls as a defining symbol of the Kingdom’s cultural heritage. Indian aristocracy prized Bahraini pearls because of their remarkable quality and luster, which were used extensively to create beautiful jewelry and crowns.
A map of the historical pearl diving locations throughout the Gulf was displayed as part of the presentation, emphasizing the pearls’ economic and social importance at the time. This industry has continuously received particular attention from Bahrain, which has laid the groundwork for its resurgence and maintained its authenticity throughout the years. The creation and operations of DANAT, which preserves the Kingdom’s rich pearl legacy with a fresh vision and mission, demonstrate this continuous dedication.
Jamsheer went on to say that DANAT prioritizes upholding top-notch quality standards in all facets of its operations, including testing, inspection, and training domestic divers and pearl gatherers. These initiatives are essential to enhancing Bahrain‘s standing as a regional center for excellence in the pearl and jewelry industries as well as the Institute’s standing as a world leader in pearls and gemstones.
Jamsheer ended her virtual session by inviting attendees to visit DANAT‘s cutting-edge laboratory in Bahrain, where they could see the Institute’s cutting-edge capabilities and top-notch facilities for testing and analyzing pearls and gemstones.
