World's second largest pearl to be auctioned on Nov 19

Dubai, Oct 26 (UNI) World's second largest natural pearl 'Arco Valley' will go under the hammer in Dubai on November 19.

The UAE Pearl Revival Committee yesterday announced that the auction would be held during the first International Pearl Convention here next month.

It will be an attempt to revive UAE's distinguished pearling tradition and make it the keystone of the country's cultural identity.

''The convention will lay the foundation for a remarkable revival of our wonderful history in the pearl industry,'' Khaleej Times reported chairman of the UAE Pearl Revival Committee Khaled Al Sayegh as saying.

The 575-carat Arco Valley Pearl is expected to raise 6-8 million dollars at the auction.

The pearl is in 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.

''Historically, the world's best pearls came from the Gulf. They were naturally formed. The discovery of large deposits of oil signalled an abrupt end to the pearl industry in early 1930s. Those who once dived for pearls sought prosperity in the economic boom ushered in by the oil industry,'' Mr Al Sayegh added.

UNI