Dubai International Jewellery Week Ends 2012 On A Sparkling Note
Key Jewellery Event of the Year Delights with Choice and Design; Drives Strong Sales
The 17thedition of Dubai International Jewellery Week, which ran from 21-24 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre, dazzled visitors with the most extensive array of precious stones, fashionable jewellery collections and one-off pieces from international jewellers.
The largest and most influential jewellery event in the Middle East demonstrated its global standing with more than 320 exhibitors from 22 countries offering visitors exclusive show prices. Millions of dirhams in sales, confirmed orders and strategic business opportunities during the exhibition were reported by both trade and retail exhibitors. Sales were further boosted by a number of international delegations, including 100 buyers and wholesalers from Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Turkey, who attended the show for the first time.
Highlight pieces showcased this year included a stunning AED3.6 million, 214-carat emerald set in a diamond necklace from Dubai-based jewellers Dhamani, and a rare 50-carat vivid yellow, square cut diamond set in a platinum ring worth AED20 million, created by jewellery house Ahmad Kurdi Fine Jewellery. Pearl experts Yoko London displayed one-of-a-kind, intricate necklaces comprising Tahitian South Sea Keshi pearls and the highest quality diamonds, each worth hundreds of thousands of dirhams.
“With almost two decades at the forefront of jewellery trends, both regionally and internationally, Dubai International Jewellery Week brings a depth of experience and influence to the region that is unrivalled,” said Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the show. “This is a market that appreciates beautiful jewellery and craftsmanship, and the global industry recognises that the show offers the ideal gateway to this potentially lucrative audience. We are delighted with the positive feedback received from both exhibitors and visitors.”
Exhibitors at this year’s show reported strong sales at all levels. Rohit Dhamani, partner at Dhamani, said: “The show reached new heights this year, not least because we displayed our AED6 million gold, marble and diamond Burj Khalifa replica! We have received two serious offers for this highly prized collector’s piece. With the show’s ideal timing before the holidays and wedding season, there was great demand for bridal sets, wedding bands and solitaire diamond rings.”
Antoine Hakim, Beirut-based jewellers specialising in diamond sets, returned to Dubai International Jewellery Week after a ten year absence. “We are absolutely delighted with our decision to return to this exhibition. We did not expect so many visitors and we have seen a number of potential buyers with strong purchasing power. After exceeding our target, we will definitely be back next year,” said Joe Hakim, director at Antoine Hakim.
Rosy Blue, expert manufacturers of high-quality polished diamonds and finished jewellery, has been exhibiting at the show since 2004. “We have more than doubled our sales from last year and demand has been high for large stones and unique wedding sets. With the new location of the show, we received many more customers than in previous years,” said Rihen Mehta, director at Rosy Blue.
Further demonstrating its position as a platform for the latest industry trends and designs, Dubai International Jewellery Week hosted the fourth annual Jewellery Design Awards, sponsored by celebrated jewellers Mouawad and in partnership with the National Institute for Vocational Education (NIVE). The show also saw the launch of “Trendvision Jewellery + Forecasting”, a definitive luxury jewellery industry permanent observatory on trends and forecasting managed by Italian luxury powerhouse Fiera di Vi cenza for the premium jewellery industry.
Recognising innovation and originality, the most creative submissions from professional and emerging talent received an online jewellery design course courtesy of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This year’s show also welcomed popular celebrity stylist and beauty expert Joelle Mardinian, who provided style tips and advice to a crowd of VIP guests through live demonstrations and one-on-one consultations.
Emirate: Dubai
Date: Dec 6, 2012
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