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UAE: Royal, rare jewellery worth over Dh45 million up for auction; proceeds to aid charity
Each of the 20 pieces, made from one of the world’s rarest gemstones, combines traditional Emirati craftsmanship with British design finesse
- PUBLISHED: Sat 17 May 2025, 9:35 PM
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.
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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 is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.