Dubai Pearl Exchange, a subsidiary of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), is an ideal platform to develop a strategic plan promoting the interests of the global pearl industry, said a top Damas official.

Damas, he said, was hopeful that the Exchange will help revitalize global pearl trade and restore Dubai’s historic status as an important pearl centre.

Damas was the key sponsor of the recently-held World Pearl Forum which was organised by the Dubai Pearl Exchange.

Held under the patronage of princess Haya bint Al Hussein, wife of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, the forum was successful in its objective of uniting pearl industry professionals.

Its outcome was the decision by the Dubai Pearl Exchange to initiate a working committee of international industry leaders.

The forum also discussed the need to establish a universal code of definitions and the need for a universal grading system providing expert certification for pearl strands, thereby increasing the consumer’s confidence.

Tawfiq Abdullah, chairman, Damas Jewellery, said: 'Dubai has played a key role in times past as a pearling centre. It’s interesting to note that today the city has once again positioned itself as the ideal location and the Dubai Pearl Exchange as the ideal platform to develop a strategic plan promoting the interests of the global pearl industry.'

'This will bring into focus areas of opportunity in the industry and help boost trade. The universal appeal of these gems from the sea is well established.'

'Despite the economic downturn the event has set a positive note to establish steps towards pearl promotion, which is the critical first step in a fruitful journey,' Abdullah added.

As a Damas partner, Jeremy Burbanks, European & Middle East sales manager, Mikimoto Pearls, said: 'In other related fields and in other industries there are collective industry bodies that look after and promote the common good of the individual members.'

'In the pearl industry there is no such body. But this new initiative in Dubai will help promote and sustain the development of new markets, new knowledge and ultimately new sales in these challenging times,' he added.

Nancy Shamroth, consultant for Middle East, Jewelmer, a leading producer of golden Philippine South Sea pearls, said, 'The formation of a working pearl body promoting pearls globally will help showcase our pearls to a greater audience and boost trade.'

'We are deeply appreciative of the role Damas plays in the jewellery industry of the region and of our association with it.'

'Culturing pearls requires a clean marine environment which in turn could help build up much needed environment consciousness in pearling communities, an aspect we at Jewelmer have always stressed on,' she added.

Nicholas Paspaley, managing director Paspaley Pearls, who has a long relationship with Damas, said: “As the pearling pioneer of South Sea pearls, Paspaley looks forward to playing an active role in this initiative by the Dubai Pearl Exchange.'

'We have had a long cherished relationship with Damas and as one of the eading design houses of the region, Damas not only understands the valuable role of pearls in jewellery but also about the tastes and trends of the region.'

'This places it in a unique position in the initiative to promote pearls on a common platform,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service