The best pearls, by the best people, at the best places…
Pinctada, established in Dubai since 1997, is a unique Jewellery House featuring the rare and lustrous South Sea Pearls, found only in the pristine waters of the great Southern oceans.
Sourcing the finest South Sea pearls available, Pinctada design and manufacture exquisite jewellery and strands.
The company’s distinctive name originates from the Australian Pinctada maxima oyster, which grows superb white and golden pearls, and the Pinctada margaritifera, the exotic black pearl oyster from Tahiti.
Pinctada uses only South Sea pearls in the creation of its stunning jewellery collection. South Sea pearls are regarded as the ‘Queen of Gems’ distinguished from other pearls by their magnificent size, outstanding luster and purity of natural colours.
United Arab Emirates – Home to Pinctada
Conceived and headquartered in Dubai since 1997, Pinctada has grown to become part of the regions remarkable success story.
From its humble beginnings as a trading port in the early 20th Century, the United Arab Emirates has matured into a burgeoning metropolitan Middle Eastern nation famed for its incredible landmark developments and prosperous tourist trade.
This extraordinary expansion over a brief period of time is undoubtedly due to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, who sought to create a symbol of transformation and development within the Middle East and throughout the world.
With over 8 million tourists visiting annually and 3 million residents seeking the ultimate retail experience, Pinctada understands and expertly caters to the superior tastes and desires of the regions most discerning clientele.
United Arab Emirates - Home of the Natural Pearl
Throughout the 19th century, one of the regions most valuable trading commodities was the natural pearls that flourished in pearl beds in the warm shallow waters of the Persian Gulf. In the early 1800’s, the successful trade of pearls was protected from piracy when, in 1835, the rulers of Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ajman signed a truce outlawing acts of war at sea during the pearling season.
By the early 1900’s, pearling had become such a valuable business that not enough suitable divers could be found to man the pearling boats. The life of a diver was not easy and pearling boats or Sambuks, were at sea for up to four months at a time. Divers were expected to dive depths of up to 20 meters to search for the precious pearl-bearing oysters.
Pearls of great beauty and value were highly prized; only one gem quality pearl may be discovered per 100,000 oysters; the discovery of a large pearl could mean a fortune to a humble diver and the Sambuks crew.
Tragically, the boom in the pearling trade was cut short when oil exploration, pollution and over fishing led to the collapse of the industry. The once unspoiled waters of the Gulf soon no longer bore these precious gems, and the coastal towns of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah were left reeling after the loss of such a vital trade.
Founder and Pearl Curator, Gillian Dowland
The remarkable story of Pinctada began when visiting the South Sea pearl farming regions of Broome in Australia and Manihi in Tahiti. There, surrounded by some of the most spectacular and pristine natural environments on the planet, our passion for South Sea pearls developed.
Internationally respected for her pearl expertise, Gillian travels extensively throughout the year, acquiring the best South Sea pearls available, often directly from the source.
Gillian also recognizes the importance of passing her passion and knowledge to all in the team, and all those who work with Pinctada’s collections. Pinctada is blessed with a dedicated team of women, all who share our passion for pearls.
It is the trust and loyalty of Pinctada’s many repeat clients that led us to expand our expertise into diamonds, and we have been commissioned to design and create many special pearl and diamond pieces. Pinctada’s collections are designed in-house, and crafted to the exacting standards.
The Perfect Pearl
Every South Sea pearl used to create Pinctada’s jewellery is hand selected by our team of curators, carefully judging each pearl by its grading criteria of size, shape, colour, luster and surface. Individual pearls are carefully matched as pairs and sets for jewellery; strands are painstakingly chosen for their uniform beauty.
Our team have a special passion for rare and unusual South Sea pearls.
The Pinctada collection features extraordinary large size and uniquely irregular shaped baroque pearls, as well as precious natural gold and peacock pearl colours.
By specializing exclusively in South Sea and no other pearl varieties, Pinctada provides clients with one of the most extensive selection of South Sea pearl colour and shapes available anywhere in the world.
Timeless Design
Pinctada believes there is a pearl for every individual, for every occasion and can expertly match the perfect South Sea pearl to every client.
After meticulous selection, pearls of similar characteristics are sorted and graded, then set to best enhance each pearls special beauty, to form Pinctada’s unique collection.
Designs range from classically elegant strands, to simple single pearl pendants, heavily adorned bracelets, and diamond encrusted earrings and rings. Thanks to fashion icons such as Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana, pearls can now be worn and enjoyed daily; not only reserved for weddings and special occasions.
Custom Design
Pinctada is the only South Sea pearl company offering its clients a bespoke custom-design jewellery service.
Working with the creative design team and using the spectacular array of loose pearls in Pinctada’s private collection, clients can conceive any unique jewellery creation, matched perfectly to their particular tastes and desires.
Creation
Pinctada is proud to uphold Dubai’s tradition of quality and distinction in jewellery manufacture.
Pinctada’s South Sea pearls may be sourced from all over the world, but the design and creation of Pinctada’s exquisite jewellery is carried out in Dubai - the City of Gold. Using specialized craftsmen, excellence is guaranteed at every step of the manufacturing process. With a dedication to detail, every piece of hallmarked and certificated jewellery bears our distinctive ‘P’ branding and is presented in embossed leather packaging designed exclusively by Pinctada.
Services
Pinctada is well regarded as offering the best pearls, the best value, and outstanding client service.
The only jewellery company in the UAE specializing in all varieties of South Sea pearls, Pinctada’s all-women team has been expertly trained to share their passion and knowledge with clients.
According to Gillian
“So many of our clients become a friend. South Sea pearls are valued by those who purchase them, treasured by those who receive them, and cherished from generation to generation. It is important to me that clients are entirely satisfied and feel reassured when purchasing from Pinctada.”
Pinctada Events & Associations
Pinctada is an active retail partner frequently supporting events, marketing and sponsorship initiatives, providing an extraordinary experience for guests within the retail environments that feature Pinctada’s jewellery.
Since its establishment, Pinctada has celebrated being part of Dubai’s cultural events and sporting milestones.
Pinctada’s strive for excellence has led the company to be appointed as the Official Jewellers of prestigious events in Dubai such as: The Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race, years 2000 & 2001; and The European PGA’s, Dubai Desert Classic Golf Tournament, years 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.
Clients clearly value the personal attention they receive, and frequently return to add to their Pinctada South Sea pearl jewellery collection. Pinctada pearls become investments for a lifetime, valued heirlooms to be handed down generations.
