The exhibition “Pearls” at the Victoria and Albert Museum describes the background to the pearl industry, especially in the Middle East a reflection of the partnership with the Qatar Museums Authority.  Over 200 items of rare and historic jewellery, including the pearl earring worn by King Charles I as he went towards his execution, are shown.   A really nice aspect of the exhibition design is the use of genuine cast iron safes from 1850-1910, highlighting the valuable nature of pearls and, as an aside, showing that such items of utility can also be beautiful.   The development of cultured pearls effectively destroyed the natural pearl industry but enable pearls to be worn by everybody, not just the rich and famous.   What is really good about this exhibition was that it comes right into the 21st century with modern jewellery design and even work by Norak Fok which includes the use of 3D printing for the basic wrist-belt in which the pearls are set.