The Dubai Pearl Exchange, a subsidiary of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, will host the inaugural World Pearl Forum next month.
To be held from February 17-18, the Forum is set to attract more than 200 pearl specialists from across the world.
According to Ahmed Bin Sulayem, the executive chairman of the DMCC, the objective behind the Forum is to create a long-term platform for international debate on “how to further develop the pearl sector globally, through a cohesive approach to educating consumers and fostering demand for pearls”.
“Through the Forum, the Dubai Pearl Exchange plans to unite the industry by highlighting areas of opportunity as well as identifying integrated programs that will involve all stakeholders of the global pearl trade.”
Meanwhile Gaiti Rabbani, the DMCC’s executive director of coloured stones and pearls, said speakers, supporters and attendees of the Forum have a unique opportunity to help shape the global pearl industry through frank discussions about how to advance pearls as gems and increase the size of the sector.
“We anticipate that this event will galvanise the key members of the pearl trade to better represent the luxury, value, and economic potential of the pearl itself.”
Key speakers at the Forum will include:
• Nicolas Paspaley (executive chairman, Paspaley): Branding a modern classic – The South Sea Pearl
• Robert Wan (Robert Wan Tahiti chairman): Polynesian Black Pearl – The influence in today’s market
• Justin Hunter (founder, J Hunter Pearls Fiji): A new source of Black Pearl
• Dr. Jack Ogden, (chief executive, Gemmological Association of Great Britain): Pearl Distinction: Natural vs Cultured – 100 years of expertise
• Kenneth Scarratt (director of research, GIA Thailand): Challenges of creating a universal grading system