Uae: royal, rare jewellery worth over dh45 million up for auction; proceeds to aid charities

A stunning 20-piece jewellery collection, made from one of the world’s rarest gemstones, Imperial Jadeite, has been unveiled for auction, with all proceeds set to go towards humanitarian

efforts through The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF). Significantly, this is not just fine jewellery, these pieces represent a unique collaboration between Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council,

TBHF, and British luxury brand Asprey London. The collection was designed exclusively for the charitable initiatives of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah

and Chairperson of TBHF, and is being auctioned for charity. The entire collection is valued at nearly Dh47.8 million, or £9.7 million. “This collection is a symbol of the strength and

generosity that women bring to the world,” said Sheikha Jawaher. “By combining beauty with purpose, we are not only celebrating heritage and craftsmanship but also offering hope and support

to those in need.” CRAFTED WITH PURPOSE AND PRECISION The collection features more than one kilogram of untreated Imperial Jadeite, a gemstone so rare that it is considered more precious

than diamonds. The jadeite was sourced by Asprey nearly 20 years ago and was securely stored since. “The entire jewellery collection contains approximately 960 grams of Imperial Jadeite,

sourced from Burma, known as one of the last remaining deposits of this rare and precious stone. The jadeite is believed to be around 100 years old, making it truly a treasure of heritage

and natural history,” said Bobby Gill, sales director of Asprey. “During the crafting process, about 7 per cent of the raw jadeite was lost as waste. This jadeite is the last of the last

mines and have been exhausted or closed, making these stones incredibly rare and irreplaceable.” For Gill, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “When Sheikha Jawaher approached us with

this vision, it was instantly clear that this was not just about creating beautiful jewellery, it was about making a difference.” To guarantee the authenticity of jadeite, Asprey

collaborated with Oxford University’s Department of Earth Sciences, applying molecular-level scientific testing. “We did not go to a commercial gem lab. We took it to the best minds in

science,” Gill added. “For Sheikha Jawaher, transparency and integrity were as important as beauty.” Gill described the project as ‘a true labour of love. ’ “It took patience, skill, and

heart to bring these pieces to life, knowing that they will serve a higher purpose.” EAST MEETS WEST Each of the 20 pieces, which include earrings, pendants, brooches, and bangles, combines

traditional Emirati craftsmanship, such as talli weaving, with British design finesse. The result is a royal-grade collection that bridges culture, luxury, and compassion. “We blended

Asprey’s heritage with Irthi’s artisanal traditions. It is an emotional collection, not just a luxurious one,” Gill said. “It tells a story of womanhood, giving, and excellence.” He

reflected on the emotional significance of the collection: “Knowing that every piece will help those in need gives the jewelry a life beyond beauty. It becomes a symbol of hope.” The

collaboration is also a tribute to Sheikha Jawaher’s commitment to empowering women and uplifting communities worldwide. AUCTION FOR A CAUSE The auction, hosted by Asprey, is now open. While

the estimated value is nearly Dh47.8 million, the starting bid has been kept accessible to encourage wider participation. All proceeds will go directly to The Big Heart Foundation, which

supports vulnerable populations, including refugees, orphans, and low-income communities across the globe. “This collection does not just sit in a vault. It is alive with purpose,” said

Gill. “Whoever wears it will not just be owning a masterpiece, they will be changing lives.” SM AYAZ ZAKIR SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His

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