The eye of the tiger: A gem of an exhibition

Three-day event showcases K-P, Afghanistan’s sparkles.

PESHAWAR: The-three-day exhibition of precious and semi-precious stones at Peshawar Museum took off on Friday. Around 30 stalls and displays have been set up by gemstone and jewellery traders at the cost of Rs2,500 each for three days.

Stone ages

Some of the main stones showcased were the topaz, peridot, tiger eye, agate, lapis lazuli, ruby, turquoise, aquamarine as well as tourmaline.

The most expensive bauble on display was the emerald and least expensive, nephrite. Nephrite stones, bigger than paperweights, were also being sold as decorative pieces for the household—at a mere Rs3,000. According to one trader, Abdul Qayyum from Sargodha, the most pricey stone he had on display was the sapphire, one of which was for Rs50,000.

Stones showcased included topaz, peridot, tiger eye, agate, lapis lazuli, ruby, turquoise, aquamarine as well as tourmaline. PHOTOS: MUHAMMAD IQBAL/EXPRESS

For those looking for something special to wear, a variety of precious, semi-precious and artificial jewellery was on display. While run-of-the-mill wedding jewellery designs in gold were also available; customers could peruse simple strings of lapis lazuli or other semi-precious gems as well as traditional Afghan rings.

One of the more interesting materials on display was the talc, also known as the soft stone. Originating from Shangla, the talc is used in paper making, cosmetics, soap and other products. However, according to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, talc is also linked with ovarian cancer and some pulmonary diseases.

Cross-border business

“A majority of the gems are from K-P,” said Muhammad Usman, an exporter who had a stall at the exhibition. “However we also brought in some from Afghanistan and other parts of the country to add to the mix.”

Usman added the value of a stone is determined by its colour, intensity, lustre, texture, clarity and transparency. Gems recovered in hilly areas of the province need more exposure to international markets, he added.

“From crystals to gems, we are pleased to see things produced in the country and in Afghanistan,” said Jamil Mohmand, a visitor at the exhibit. “It gives us an opportunity to learn more about these precious stones.”

Gemstones, soft stones and other minerals produced in other parts of the province were also showcased.

Access, access, access

“It could bring a major change for the owner of a small shop in Namak Mandi, if the government gives us access to international markets,” Muhammad Bilal, a stall owner, told The Express Tribune. Bilal owns a small workshop in Namak Mandi, where they treat raw stones and then ship it off to other parts of the country.

The event has been organised by the Royal Gem Gallery (RGG) and facilitated by Tourism Cooperation Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP), Directorate of Archaeology and the All Pakistan Commercial Exporters Association (APCEA). Minister for Minerals Ziaullah Afridi, Advisor to Chief Minister Amjad Afridi, Archaeology Director Dr Abdul Samad were also present.

RGG Executive Director Saima Umar told The Express Tribune, “The event will introduce K-P’s gems and jewellery to the richer markets in Pakistan and abroad.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 6^th, 2014.