'File 9/2 Pearling' [‎103r] (205/312)

MEMORANDUM
To The Commercial Secretariat, British Embassy, Washington.
From New York Consulate-General
Subject The Market for Natural Pearls from the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran.
in the U.S.A.
1. Imports of natural pearls into the United States are made
by a very few firms who operate independently except on excep-
tional occasions when a financial risk is too great. Although
shrewd and keen competitors they have a great respect for each
other, and joint ventures are not difficult accomplishment.
2. A list of four of the principal importers of natural
pearls is attached as Appendix 1. Two other names are excluded
from this list since they wished to make specific suggestions
before their names were submitted as potential buyers. Their
names will be forwarded together with their comments when these
come to hand, but since both parties are out of New York it is
not likely that these will be received before next year.
3. Notable personalities of past years in natural pearls,
such as Leonard Rosenthal and others, are now dealing entirely
in cultured pearls.
4. It appears that all the natural peal traders have in the
past, been completely dependent on the Indian pearls industry
for drilling the pearls. The Indians also accomplished the art
of bleachign with chemicals, and the aid of sunlight to improve
the lustre w>ich, was originated by the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. natives.
5. It is believed in the trade that pearls are still finding
their way into India despite regulations prohibiting imports.
The U.S. firms who are interested in Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. pearls are in
a dilemma regarding the drilling in particular and the bleaching
of pearls if the pearls cannot enter India*
6. These firms and other interested parties sent a mission
to the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. last June to investigate the situation. The
mission was undertaken by Dr. A.E. Alexander of the Gem
Laboratory Inc. and Mr. Charles Murray, of 636 Fifth Avenue, who
discovered the native ruler of Bahrein wanted li million dollars
before he would entertain suggestions. They accomplished little,
but their experience did not entirely discourage would-be
importers and merchants who are still willing to buy from
the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
7* It is considered that developing a market for the larger
sizes reruired unique skill, particularly to overcome the
publicity given at the present time to the cultured pearl.
The United States firms interested in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. pearls
are ready to use their best endeavours to create a demand for
all sizes of natural pearls, if they can overcome the
difficulties outlined above.
8. A report on the Pearl Market submitted by Mr. Rene Block
of 61C Fifth Avenue is attached as Appendix II to this
memorandum. Mr. Block is acknowledged in the trade as being
•auite a fighter for the natural pearl”.
BRITISH CO SULATE-GENERAL
New York 4.
16th December 1947