The Dubai Pearl Exchange (DPE), a subsidiary of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), announced the winners of its Pearl Essence programme, the world’s first-ever global pearl design initiative encompassing all different types of pearls.

Reinhardt Van Zyl from Tshwane University of Technology in South Africa was named the first prize winner for his “Curvature” bangle created using freshwater pearls.

In second place was Catherine Buman’s “The Life Line,” a piece inspired by dhows and pearl divers, created from mahogany wood, white gold and akoya pearls. The third prize was awarded to Belinda Koopman for “Dubai Night Sky,” an avant-garde piece created from South Sea pearls and freshwater pearls.

The contest received a total of 644 entries from 46 institutes across 10 countries. “The response to the Pearl Essence programme has been phenomenal, further highlighting the cultural significance of this traditional gem and the need for initiatives that continue to establish Dubai as a premier hub for the trade,” said Ahmed bin Sulayem, executive chairman of DMCC.