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THERE were few signs of the global financial crisis as bling-loving Bahrainis and expats flocked to the 18th Jewellery Arabia Exhibition to indulge in seeking out and buying a girl's best friend.
More than 600 companies from 30 countries took part in the glittering five-day event which was opened by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre.
Dr Hassan A Fakhro, chairman of the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority (BECA) and Industry and Commerce Minister, said: 'Bahrain hosted the largest ever jewellery show in this region positioning us once again, as one of the world's leaders in the jewellery exhibition industry.
'This is one of the region's premiere exhibits covering more than 19,000 square metres and such a huge event requires superior management capabilities. Both Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority and Arabian Exhibition Management have surpassed themselves with this event once again.
'It is clear that Bahrain's jewellery exhibition industry is in a leading position when, during a year of global economic slowdown the event has increased by 18.6 per cent up from 506 exhibitors last year to 600 exhibitors this year.'
More than 40,000 visitors flocked to the event. Amongst them were friends Noof Al Shekar, 32, and Bouchra Ghaya, 35, who were impressed with the deals on offer.
Noof said: 'This is one of the most amazing events in Bahrain and it is the best place to get a good bargain on jewellery.'
Manal Fakhro, 33, however, learned an important lesson of snapping up a good buy when you spot one. She said: 'I had flown to Dubai specifically for its jewellery event. While there I found a pair of earrings but when I heard the store would be attending Bahrain's jewellery expo I thought I would wait. Can you believe that those earrings had tripled in price here?'
Local and international exhibitors also found that the economic situation had little impact on the amount of guests visiting their stands.
Victoria Casal's Parisian couture jewellery line was one of the international exhibitors proving popular with visitors. Sabah Mousa, one of the managing partners of its regional operation, said: 'This is our third time exhibiting at Jewellery Arabia and interest in our lines have increased immensely because of it.
'We are quite affordable so we have not really been affected by the economic crisis. In fact, our sales increased.'
Local jewellers Al Zain's Mohammed Saidi, marketing and public relations manager, said: 'It's good to partake in such events as jewellers have a chance to display their latest designs. We try to make sure our new stock gets the most attention during the show.'
The event was not all glitz and glam, however, as jewellery worth BD106,000 was stolen. One man has been arrested in connection with the theft of two diamond necklaces.
