Launched in 2008 by DMCC, with its subsidiary, Dubai Pearl Exchange (DPE), Pearl Essence was the world’s first global pearl jewellery design programme, created to celebrate and promote the usage of pearls in jewellery design. Influenced by the UAE’s rich pearling heritage, and represented in a modern and contemporary fashion, the programme brought together and promoted different categories of pearls at a global level, while revitalising the Middle East’s leadership status in the pearl sector and re-establishing Dubai as a centre for the global pearl trade.

Spanning a broad geographical market, the programme was open to final year students from schools that offer a minimum two-year full time jewellery design course, and provided unique opportunities for networking between young talent and established professionals.