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Mesmerising necklaces, sparkling earrings, stunning rings and an array of elegant, gem-encrusted watches dazzled brightly at Jewellery Arabia 2010.
More than 46,000 visitors flocked to the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Sanabis for the 19th edition of the four-day event, which was held under the patronage of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister of Bahrain, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
Around 600 companies from more than 30 countries displayed an array of precious gems, jewellery and time pieces. Eminent jewellers glorified their products in massive, beautifully-decorated stalls enticing visitors to catch a glimpse inside their tent of treasure.
Guests included several prominent faces from the island's social circle wanting to check out the latest designs as well as shoppers with a keen eye for a bargain.
Al Rashid Group chairwoman Shaikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa visited the exhibition in search of unique jewellery featuring Bahraini pearls. She said: "The exhibition is growing bigger and bigger each year and this means it's growing better too. I always find something to my liking here!"
Samah Zowayed, 34, an executive assistant at an investment company, made a trip from her home in Muharraq and said: "I have been coming here regularly and normally I pick up anything that catches my eye but this time I was specifically keen on getting a pair of earrings."
New arrivals to Bahrain, friends from the US, Beyonce Johnson and Angelina Hyman, were enthralled by the diamond collections. Angelina said: "The diamonds available here are great! I would definitely grab something that catches my eye!"
Sisters from Mahouz, Lisa, a marketing executive, and Touria, a cabin crew assistant, were so smitten with the exclusive pieces of jewellery, they returned to the exhibition three times. Touria said: "We come to the exhibition every year as we enjoy checking out new designs in gold and diamonds. We also visit the exhibition on its last day to grab any bargains before the jewellers wrap up to leave."
The perennial car parking issue reared its ugly head again too. Painter Genevieve Fabre said: "Parking is so difficult here and it is such a pity that the issue appears to be ignored. The exhibition is always super, however, the Indian jewellery pavilion topped the list this year - it was full of gorgeous jewellery so rich in history and craftsmanship. I particularly enjoyed the jewelled elephants."
Innovative designs by local jewellers were also displayed at a dedicated pavilion which was co-ordinated by Tamkeen. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce also participated during the event allowing visitors to check the authenticity of their gems.
