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Thousands of gem lovers flocked to Jewellery Arabia this year to catch a glimpse of the world’s largest ring as well as other sparkling pieces that glittered in diamonds and gold.
The popular expo featured more than 550 local, regional and international exhibitors showcasing the latest jewellery, precious stones and watch designs just in time for those seeking festive presents for loved ones.
The five-day event attracted more than 55,000 visitors to the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre which according to organisers UBM AEM was a nine per cent increase on last year’s event.
One piece that captivated the crowd of customers and jewellery lovers was the Guinness World Records’ 21-carat Najmat Taiba (Star of Taiba) ring. The massive piece weighed nearly 64kg and dazzled with 5.1kg of precious stones and diamonds, as well as 615 Swarovski crystals.
It apparently took at least 55 jewel smiths 450 hours in 45 days to produce the ring in the year 2000 and at that time, it cost the owner $547,000. With the increase in gold prices, it is now valued at $3 million. There was a cheaper wearable version on sale too!
Seasoned shoppers such as Sally Bosson appeared more interested in checking out the latest offers from local designers such as Aisha Abdulmalik’s jewels. “I absolutely adore her pieces and find them elegant,” said Sally, 30, an air hostess and fashion designer living in A’ali who has attended Jewellery Arabia for the past three years. “They are beautiful and very creative. I love the exhibition particularly to see the arts and crafts side of it and the traditional pearl earrings.”
Designer Azza Al Hujairi participated at the event for the seventh time. Normally located at La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Arts, her display featured a variety of necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets, some of her own creations and others offered by international and emerging designers.
“I really enjoyed the show as it is a great way to connect with and meet new jewellery lovers,” said Azza. “The pieces included 18k gold, natural wood, redesigned antique pieces, diamonds, gemstones and ethically-sourced gemstones.”
Aside from local and regional brands, there were also several international and independent designers, retailers and manufacturers from across the globe, including Hong Kong, India, Italy, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, the UK and the US.
French designer Virginie Dreyer, the founder and designer of tinyOm Jewellery for the Soul, who is based in the kingdom, said: “Jewellery Arabia is an institution for fine jewellery in the Middle East.”
English teacher Khalida Rafiqi, 27, who was modelling different diamond collections handcrafted in Belgium and Indian-designed sets for Ami Moon, said: “It was really great to see all the jewellery collections. Many of the pieces were supremely expensive with one located in Hall 1 being sold for BD200,000!
“But if you were smart there were some bargains to be had too and room for negotiation. That’s probably why the exhibition was able to attract various shoppers from different economic backgrounds. It was a diverse crowd and a melting pot of different nationalities. I thought it was a pretty cool experience.”
