Gem of an exhibition that made history for Bahrain

Jewellery Arabia 2007 was the biggest in the history of the event.

In its 16th year, more than 43,000 people visited the dazzling exhibition held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre.

The record number is testimony to the fact Jewellery Arabia is not only the largest and most prestigious jewellery event in the region, but among the foremost jewellery shows in the world.

More than a billion dollars worth of sparkling jewels, gems and precious stones set in beautiful necklaces, bracelets, time pieces and rings were showcased by 500 exhibitors from 28 countries.

A host of international pavilions from leading export countries, including Brazil, Greece, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Thailand and Turkey provided a truly global event.

Private collectors and trade buyers from around the world snapped up scores of exquisite jewels, while thousands of visitors came to experience the glitter and shine of the exhibition.

Royalty from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were charmed by the shimmering selections from the world's most prestigious jewellery houses.

Exclusive pieces of jewellery were showcased by the most prestigious master jewellers and watchmakers in the world - Cartier, Chopard, De Beers, Graff Diamonds, Harry Winston, Patek Phillipe, Piaget and Van Cleef and Arpels.

Every single piece of jewellery at the Graff stall was specially made for Jewellery Arabia. Handmade pieces designed and manufactured in London were fabulously fitted with stones such as diamonds, briolettes and sapphires.

There were also several first-time exhibitors that included Mattar Jewellers from Bahrain. Ibrahim Khalifa Mattar, who had the most magnificent display of virgin Bahraini pearls in a variety of natural colours, said: "The beauty of pearls lie in the precision, gradation, quality, appearance and style. My family has been in the pearl business for the past 150 years and we have a vast collection."

The Swaroski studded purses by another first time exhibitor Yazi proved to be a popular hit among the ladies. Yasmin Salahuddin, the proprietor said: "At any party, we let the clutch bag do the talking."

For scores of awed visitors it was the first time they had glimpsed anything like it.

Esther Bolland, 70, a grandmother from Ireland, could not resist a peak of the sparkles on offer but resisted buying anything.

"The exhibition is so dazzling and beautiful. If I had one daughter and not four I would have certainly bought something," she explained.

Canadian Teri Dovohi from Saar, a regular visitor for the last five years, said: "I generally like to pick up some gifts, watches and earrings."

Dia and Sharita from Riffa voted for the Brazil section and said that they come here shopping for modern designs.

Clarissa of the Brazilian Gems, Jewellery and Trade Association, said: "Our jewellery reflects the diversity of our country and the influences of the Africans, Europeans and Asians. We have access to some of the world's largest collections of gemstones. Last year we had three jewellers on exhibit and this year we have seven."

Pakistanis, Rubina Sheikh and Sabia Wahid, from Budaiya said that they were attracted by the excellent deals at the Hong Kong and Singapore stalls.

Rubina said: "We have been regular visitors for the past several years. It took us sometime to understand the mechanisms of such a large exhibition. We now have a better idea and can find what we're looking for easily. We liked the Mina Kari work in the Indian section."

Hina Parikh, a jeweller from Mumbai, who visited the exhibition for the first time, said: "I just loved watching the beautiful, fair and tall Arab women in their embroidered and stylish black abayas.

"They adorn their wrists with great looking watches, bracelets and wear splendid rings on their fingers.

"They know the value of the stones and are aware of the quality and worth of every piece of jewellery. They were all making informed decisions."