20 years of glitter and gold

MELİS ALPHAN / ISTANBUL- Hürriyet Daily News

The 20th edition of Jewellry Arabia took place in Bahrain, featuring precious jewellries from 27 nations. REUTERS photo

The 20th anniversary edition of Jewellery Arabia took place last week at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Jewellery Arabia is the largest jewelry exhibition in the Middle East. Since its inception in 1992, it has provided international jewelry houses with unrivaled direct access to trade buyers and private collectors from throughout this economic sector.

Supported by Prime Minister of Bahrain Prince Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa, the event attracted over 550 businesses from 27 nations whose exhibits included finished jewelry, luxury time pieces, precious stones, antique jewelry, specialized education, packaging and technology.

The event places Bahrain as the regional leader of the jewelry industry.

Jewellery Arabia has special significance to Bahrain. Known as the “Pearl of the Gulf” due to its illustrious pearling history and strategic location, Bahrain has been a destination for traders and craftsmen from surrounding countries for more than 4,000 years. Today this event perpetuates this rich tradition of international trade and commerce by bringing together the finest jewelry houses and watch manufacturers. The dazzling array of products on show included new product launches, exclusive collector items, antiques, plus an incredible range of finished jewelry, luxury watches and precious stones.
Amongst the many participants exhibited in Bahrain are some of the most famous master jewelers and watchmakers in the world. Prominent names included Breguet, De Beers, Chanel, Chopard, Corum, Harry Winston, Hublot, Omega, Panerai, Patek Phillipe, Piaget, Van Cleef & Arpels and Vacheron Constantin.

Joining these high profile brands were some of the Middle East’s finest retailers and manufacturers, led by a selection of some of Bahrain’s leading jewelers, such as Bahrain Jewellery Centre, Asia Jewellers, Al Mahmood Pearls, Al Zain, Devji and AJM Kooheji.

Large national groups of companies from leading jewelry export countries complemented the line-up of participants. Pavilions from Brazil, Hong Kong, India and Malaysia exhibited the best designs, precious materials and manufacturing capabilities their countries had to offer.

Every year has seen an increase in participants and visitors. Now there is a waiting list for those who want to participate stretching a couple of years.

The Hong Kong Jewellery and Jade Manufacturers Association has been bringing groups here since the first Jewellery Arabia and views the exhibition as an important trade gateway to the Middle East region.

The jewelry trade has also significantly strengthened India’s relationship with the Middle East.

Mont Blanc, whose major products were on display at the 20th edition, is planning to introduce a product with Arabic character and charm. Qi Jewels from Switzerland told Bahrain News Agency they were looking to work with the Ministry of Culture to support the traditional houses in Bahrain as an ecological project.

The low and mid-end jewelers have reported disappointing sales from this year’s event, but luxury brands said business was as usual.

Well, it is not the best of times financially. Still, most of the brands were glad they were there, even if it was only to connect with their customers, and said that it was unfortunate some companies had decided not to exhibit at this year’s show.