Pearls. The General Catalogue. [English Edition]

Accompanying an exhibit at the Museum of Islamic art in Doha, this beautifully illustrated book presents these gems in all their natural lustre and social value.
"It appears so simple to explain that it is no longer amongst the mysteries of the world. But in actual fact, much remains unknown about the pearl. We barely understand how it is formed. And it has been discovered that all shells can produce them. As a consequence, a whole range of them may be found, reflecting the immense variety of molluscs and shells: blue ones, red ones, white, green, black, yellow, orange and even speckled ones." (Hubert Bari) The fascination of this book is the way it effortlessly combines scientific, historical, cultural, and practical information.
Key Sales Information - The vast majority of potential consumers and curious public know little of the history of pearls. This book aims to fill these gaps providing simple and clear facts, with documented explanations reflecting the latest research.
- Along with selecting 250 colour photographs the author explains both "perliculture" and the harvesting of naturally occurring specimens, the biology of the molluscs that produce them and the history of pearls in human society.
- Professionals and fans of jewellery will find this beautifully illustrated book an entertaining read and a valuable resource.
Author Hubert Bari is a French writer and curator of exhibitions all over the world. From 2000 to 2003 he was exhibition planner at the Natural History Museum in Paris.
From 2003 to 2006 he was chief Curator at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Heritage, in Doha, Qatar. Since 2007 he is Creative Director Adviser and consultant for museums. A cultural historian with research interests extending from mineralogy to decorative arts, he is the author of Pink Pearl, also published by Skira (2007).