Pearls: Treasures from the Seas and the Rivers

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This exhibition, which shows the diversity and breadth of the Qatar Museums collection, is a rare opportunity to see one of the finest specimens of pearl jewellery ever assembled. Marvel at masterpieces by Cartier, a spectacular tiara worn by Archduchess Marie Valerie of Austria, and five royal tiaras from other European monarchies. Other highlights include ethnographic and tribal pieces of pearl jewellery such as headdresses from Tibet. Another motive for exhibiting this glorious past at the State Historical Museum is that the rivers and lakes of Russia delivered pearls in vast quantities as well. These freshwater pearls, though not widely known, embellished icons in churches, horses’ garments and cloth for the imperial nobility.