One of Bahrain’s Largest Supplier of Pearls – The Mattars

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Bahrain Gems News: For generations, Bahrain has been the beating heart of the global natural pearl industry—its shallow, crystal-clear Gulf waters once producing up to 80 percent of the world’s natural pearls. Today, as the world rediscovers the allure of these rare oceanic gems, one name continues to uphold this legacy with pride and craftsmanship: The Mattars, one of Bahrain’s largest and most respected suppliers of natural pearls.

The Mattars – one of Bahrain’s largest suppliers of quality pearls
Image Credit: Mattar Jewelers

As this Bahrain Gems News report highlights, the Mattar family’s deep connection to pearls spans six generations, tracing back to 1850. From their original roots as pearl traders and dealers, the family has evolved into one of the most trusted names in the Bahraini jewelry industry, renowned for their exclusive use of locally sourced, certified natural pearls and their role in preserving the kingdom’s unique pearling heritage.

A Legacy Forged in the Gulf

The Mattars are more than just jewelers—they are guardians of a national tradition. Their pearls are harvested from the warm, shallow waters of the Arabian Gulf, where a unique mix of temperature, salinity, and freshwater springs creates the perfect conditions for the formation of luminous, high-quality pearls. Each gem, formed naturally inside the Pinctada radiata oyster, can take years to develop—making every pearl rare, unique, and entirely organic.

Faten Mattar, the sixth-generation family member and current director of brand and communications, explains: “A true Bahraini pearl glows from within. Its creamy lustre and golden undertones aren’t something you can imitate or manufacture. It’s nature’s perfection, and our responsibility is to honor that.”

Royal Approval and Global Prestige

The world has long admired the timeless beauty of Bahraini pearls. In 1947, Queen Elizabeth II was gifted a pair of pearl earrings during her visit to Bahrain—gems sourced from the very waters the Mattars work with. More recently, Catherine, Princess of Wales, has been seen wearing those same earrings, sparking renewed global fascination with Gulf pearls.

The Mattar name has become synonymous with refined Arabian elegance. Their pieces have adorned royals and dignitaries, including Princess Rajwa of Jordan and Queen Rania, both of whom have worn custom-crafted earrings and necklaces made with Bahraini natural pearls. Every Mattar design tells a story—of sea, history, and craftsmanship.

A signature piece from the Mattar’s Pearl Jewellery collection
Image Credit: Mattar Jewelers

Committed to Authenticity

In an age dominated by cultured pearls and synthetic imitations, Bahrain remains a rare exception. The country has outlawed pearl culturing, ensuring that every pearl harvested and sold is 100% natural. This policy not only protects the integrity of the local industry but also safeguards the country’s maritime heritage.

The Mattars have built their reputation on this foundation of authenticity. All pearls used in their creations are certified by Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Each gem is hand-selected, often passed down through generations, and meticulously matched by expert gemologists before being transformed into timeless jewelry.

From Dhow to Display

The family’s journey from traditional pearl traders to global luxury artisans mirrors Bahrain’s own evolution. Yet, at the core of the Mattars’ business remains a deep respect for tradition. Their workshop in Manama still honors many of the techniques used by their ancestors—hand-knotting strands, working with natural silk, and designing around the pearl rather than altering it.

Modern designs, however, are not off the table. Faten and her team blend classic elegance with contemporary styling, ensuring that their creations appeal to both seasoned collectors and a new generation of luxury buyers. From bridal sets to bespoke heirloom pieces, every Mattar jewel is a celebration of Bahrain’s sea-born legacy.

Preserving Bahrain’s Pearl Soul

Bahrain’s natural pearl industry may no longer dominate global markets as it once did, but its cultural and symbolic value has only grown stronger. The UNESCO-recognized Pearling Trail in Muharraq, the ban on pearl culturing, and families like the Mattars ensure that the legacy of Bahraini pearls lives on—not just in museums or books, but in everyday life, worn proudly by those who understand their worth.

As Faten Mattar says, “A Bahraini pearl is not just a gem. It’s a story, a memory, a connection to our ancestors and our sea. We don’t just sell pearls—we protect a legacy.”

Conclusion

With over 170 years of history and a steadfast commitment to authenticity, the Mattars stand as one of Bahrain’s largest and most iconic suppliers of natural pearls. Their name continues to shine—just like the luminous treasures they bring from sea to soul.

For more on the Mattars, check out their website at: https://mattarjewelers.com/ For the latest Bahrain Gems News, keep on logging to Gems News