The ‘rarest pearl in the world’ — the Pearl of Nuntius — is on its way to Qatar to be displayed for exhibitors and visitors to INDEX Qatar 2019, the third edition of the Interiors and fit-out event, being held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) from 22-24 October.

According to Volker Bassen, the conservationist and philanthropist who owns the pearl, it is the third largest in the world and the best quality pearl of its kind. The Pearl of Nuntius has been defined as a baroque blister pearl by Gem-A (the Gemmological Institute of Great Britain, and GIA (the Gemological Institute of America), a pearl that grows from a giant clamshell and resembles porcelain. There are only six pearls in existence from the now-extinct giant clamshell species, Tridacna Gigantea, which is what makes the Pearl of Nuntius so exceptionally rare.

Both the pearl and its 320-kilogram clamshell will be showcased at INDEX Qatar 2019.

Bassen said: “Nobody should miss the experience of appreciating this rare ancient relic. It is so remarkable that it simply must be seen with one’s own eyes. And for those curious why I’ve chosen to bring such a spectacular find to Qatar’s interior and fit-out show, I invite them to come along and see how Mother Nature merges with interior design.”

Bassen is the CEO of Seaquarium Ltd., specialists in interior design whose handiwork includes unique luxury items crafted from ancient relics found in nature. Seaquarium is among this year’s many top exhibitors at INDEX Qatar, where Bassen will also be displaying several of the one-of-a kind fossils he turns into stunning, timeless furnishings as part of his highly sought-after Venus Collection. After careful restoration, which can often take several months, skilled craftsmen painstakingly transform the fossils, through a process of grinding and polishing, into luxury décor items, such as washbasins and fossilized tables.

Seaquarium will also exhibit The Granada Collection, bridging the gap between geology and contemporary design with a careful selection of the most valuable natural treasures, remarkable pieces created from rare gemstones and ancient fossils. One of the most unique fossils in the collection is the only complete skull in existence of a Paleorhinus, an ancient crocodile-like creature that could be found in what is now Morocco over 237 million years ago, a true rarity.

Qatar has a long history when it comes to pearls, and evidence shows that the first pearl-diving settlement dates back 7,000 years. This is sure to make the Pearl of Nuntius one of the prized attractions for the more than 14,000 visitors expected at INDEX Qatar 2019.

Over 200 exhibitors from more than 20 countries have confirmed their participation at the high-profile three-day event dedicated to the interior design and fit-out industry; Index Qatar 2019 will feature thousands of the latest products and solutions designed to meet the country’s future demand for interior products and services to complete stadia, hotels, and residential units ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 2022, and beyond.

Bassen said: “INDEX Qatar is a must-attend event on Seaquarium’s business calendar. It’s a highly anticipated chance to show off our spectacular product portfolio to the market and establish new contacts in the interiors industry. We pride ourselves on our meticulous craft and we take exceptional care to match our clients’ discerning tastes and requirements. So, we are very glad of having such an exceptional platform such as INDEX Qatar to position ourselves in Qatar’s highly attractive interiors market, and we hope to connect with buyers for some of our exceptional pieces.”

INDEX Qatar 2019 will open with an official ceremony, alongside the 8th edition of Cityscape Qatar, on 22 October. The unique collocation of the two international events this year is expected to drive higher than ever participation and visitor footfall to INDEX Qatar.

Other top exhibitors confirmed for INDEX Qatar this year include Al Darwish Engineering, Ceramiche Batignani, Cervo Bianco, Cristal de Paris, Elstead Lighting, La Favorita Mezzaluna, Misasa Stone, and Sedar Qatar.

INDEX Qatar is organized by dmg Doha and endorsed by the Qatar National Tourism Council. It will be open to the public from 22 October to 24 October from 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. To register and attend INDEX Qatar for free, please visit www.index-qatar.com.

Source: Press release

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Binu Cherian

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