We refrain from using any techniques that alter the natural state of pearls: Abdulla Rashed Al Suwaidi

With an annual production of 32,000 pearls, Suwaidi Pearls retails at Loulouy, its exclusive store for Arabian pearls located in Al Rams, Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE, and collaborates with top designers for high jewellery collections. The company also attracts global visitors for its ecotourism and pearl farm experience

Ras Al Khaimah: With 25 years of diving experience and a deep-rooted connection to the traditions of the sea, Abdulla Rashed Al Suwaidi, Founder, Suwaidi Pearls was guided by the wisdom of his grandfather, a revered pearl diver, to embrace the social and historical responsibility of preserving the art of pearl diving. In 2004, his quest led him to set up the unique pearl farm, Suwaidi Pearls.

In a recent interview with The Retail Jeweller Middle East, Abdulla Rashed Al Suwaidi, the last in a line of pearl divers, shares his journey and the brand’s future vision.

Tell us about the journey of the brand? 

I grew up around the beautiful village Al Rams in Ras Al Khaimah. All my dreams were shaped by my grandfather who taught me the secrets of pearl diving. It took me 10 years to establish Suwaidi Pearls as both a pearl farm and an ecotourism destination. Now, people from all over the world visit Suwaidi Pearls to reconnect with nature, share stories, and open pearl oysters. 

What is your current scale of operations?  

Our annual pearl production has reached its maximum capacity, currently standing at 32,000 pearls per year due to limited space. In terms of quality distribution, approximately 10% of these pearls fall under the A-grade category, characterized by their exceptional quality suitable for high-end jewellery. Additionally, we have 20% categorized as B-grade pearls and 30% as C-grade, considered ideal for various jewellery designs. As for our main store, the exclusive destination for our Arabian pearls is Loulouy, situated in Al Rams, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Loulouy is the sole jewellery store authorized to showcase and sell our authentic Arabian pearls. 

Tell us about your brand’s USP.

What sets our Arabian pearls apart is the absence of lustre-finishing and colouring techniques used by other manufacturers. This unique characteristic, reminiscent of the natural pearls harvested by my ancestors, is a cultural heritage that I am dedicated to preserving and offering as a distinctive gem for our customers. 

What are your signature collections? 

At Suwaidi Pearls, our commitment to excellence is reflected in our sought-after signature collections. Our collaboration with esteemed designers such as Stephen Webster, Ornella Iannuzzi and Sarah Ho have led to the inclusion of Suwaidi pearls in their exquisite collections. Our pearls grace the private collections of royalty in the region. A high point of our journey is a private commission for the prestigious jewellery house Mouawad. This collaboration resulted in the creation of the Flower of Immortality Suite—a breathtaking ensemble comprising a necklace, earrings, bracelet, and ring, crafted with diamonds, emeralds and Suwaidi pearls. 

Tell us about your consumer base.

At Suwaidi Pearls, our clients are as diverse as the pearls we cultivate. We have welcomed over 1,00,000 guests to our Suwaidi Pearl Farm Tour since its inception. Hailing from various corners of the globe, our visitors seek a unique and immersive experience connected with the rich history of pearl diving. Our guests share with us that they are drawn to the exceptional knowledge gained during the tour, witnessing first-hand how pearls are born in their natural environment. They are specifically looking for uniqueness and purity, appreciating that our pearls are made by nature without any artificial interventions. We refrain from using any techniques that alter the natural state of pearls, making each one unique. Our customers range from those interested in selecting their own pearls and customizing a design to those who prefer ready-made jewellery, understanding that each piece is inherently distinctive. 

Do you have any special strategies that have worked for your brand? 

A pearl diver is someone who fears nothing. Before attempting to start diving, one must break the barrier of fear from the first dive. You are seeking the most beautiful and the largest pearls, which is a dream that you keep chasing. We wake up early in the morning before sunrise and keep diving all day with limited food and resources. Every day is an adventure. Passion is the soul of the business, so have a passion, and you will be successful. 

What is your future agenda? 

At Suwaidi Pearls, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity in the world of jewellery. While we don’t have any new collections to announce at this moment, we are excited to share that a new collaboration is on the horizon. We’ve reached the maximum capacity within our current space; we operate on a deliberate small scale, prioritizing quality over volume.

I believe in a meticulous approach to research and development, and I’m not in a hurry to venture into mass production. Recognizing the potential within our remaining 40%, primarily grade D pearls, we are actively exploring new avenues for these pearls. Although they may not be suitable for traditional jewellery, these lower-grade pearls hold significant value in sectors such as medicine, cosmetics and pharmacy. Our strategic approach aligns with our vision to ensure that every pearl harvested serves a purpose. Despite space constraints, we are proactively seeking strategic partnerships in the region to expand our operations.  

By Bushra Satkhed

Retail Jeweller World Exclusive