Antique Prayer Beads Sell for Dh235,000 in Dubai
A set of antique German prayer beads fetched Dh235,000 at the inaugural Dubai Rosary Exhibition 2026.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Jewelry
A set of antique German prayer beads sold for Dh235,000 at the inaugural Dubai Rosary Exhibition 2026, which ran from November 6 to 8, 2026. The sale was reported as the highest-sale event so far for this exhibition.
Why it matters
The result highlights strong collector demand for rare religious objects, where age, rarity, material and craftsmanship drive prices. The exhibition also brings together international companies, collectors, buyers and investors in one venue.
The 33-bead set weighs approximately 100 grams, with each bead measuring 17 to 17.5 millimetres. The sale price of Dh235,000 is set against a reported $126,000 maximum for amber prayer beads, and the buyer's identity was not disclosed.
The players
Dubai Rosary Exhibition 2026
A newly launched inaugural exhibition in Dubai dedicated to rosaries and prayer beads, connecting international companies with collectors, buyers and investors.
The details
Participating companies from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Russia, Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Syria and China showcased luxury collections and rare materials. Other highlights include a Faturan prayer beads set more than 120 years old and a German amber piece from 1880 valued at about $1 million.
Timeline
November 6-8, 2026: Dubai Rosary Exhibition 2026 inaugural edition held
November 8, 2026: Exhibition concludes and the Dh235,000 sale is reported
Culture Shift
The exhibition extends Dubai's luxury trade-fair activity into the niche market for religious antiquities. Prices for rare religious objects reflect how collectors weigh age, rarity and craftsmanship in the luxury market.
Collectors and buyers considering rare religious objects can use the exhibition as a reference point for how age, material and condition affect price. Those attending luxury trade fairs can note that the exhibition connects sellers directly with international buyers and investors.
The takeaway
Age, rarity, colour, size, condition and craftsmanship all shape what prayer beads command at auction and in private sales. Buyers evaluating such pieces benefit from checking these factors before committing to a price.
Further reading
Explore more Jewelry coverage for context on how rare pieces are valued and traded.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GULF NEWS.
