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Jaw-dropping jewels glittered from all angles of the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Sanabis as more than 50,000 guests poured in from all over the world to preview a range of opulent and impressive collections from more than 30 different nations.
Exhibitors presented all sorts of sparkling treats, including finished modern and vintage jewellery, timepieces, collector’s items, objets d’art, and semi-precious and precious stones and metals. There were also technology and display tools, including jewellery machinery and packaging.
As someone who has worked in the jewellery industry and also appreciates couture chocolates, walking into the exhibition was like entering a glistening golden palace with delectable diamonds and candy-coloured gems in every corner.
It was the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory of the jewellery world, with a rich and splendorous assortment including everything from bonbon baubles to twinkling truffles.
Not only did guests get to feel like kids in a candy store, but each pavilion presented a distinctive cultural experience, which added to the show’s allure and allowed guests to have a window into a different time and place.
My journey started when I was teleported back to the Mughal era and spotted a scrumptious reversible Royal Nizami Victorian necklace fit for a queen at Shrian’s Jewels.
The majestic pendant boasted a juicy 30-carat emerald centre stone and was surrounded by a string of uncut rubies set in 18ct gold and silver. The necklace goes for BD2,500.
Priyank Gupta, 31, director of New Delhi’s Shrian’s Jewels, participated in the event for the first time this year with his wife, Tanvi. They specialise in traditional styles that highlight India’s rich heritage.
“We hand-design and handcraft all of the pieces and specialise in Kundan, Polki, Jadau, Nizami Victorian styles and customised diamond items,” said Priyank.
It can be very tedious to set uncut diamonds in these stately styles as they aren’t faceted and can take two to three months to create some of the pieces. The construction time alone adds to the appeal and rarity of these colourful vintage items.
Sangeeta Agarwal, 51, a visitor from Delhi, stopped to take a look at a necklace because it reminded her of home.
“I like jewellery with pure stones and Kundan styles. I come from the North of India and this is Navratan style. There are nine types of stones and I like the look.”
After my Indian feast, I was able to try some of Thailand’s treasures within walking distance.
Trésor, a Thai Jewellery company that was established in 2008, is no stranger, as it had returned for its sixth showing at the exhibition.
Deputy managing director Orawat Tantivejkul, 36, who goes by the name of ‘Chang’, had some delightful ‘girlish and funky’ styles that were unusual, such as genuine stingray skin bangles.
Many of the collections had unique geometric shapes, bright-coloured precious and semi-precious stones set in sterling silver in addition to eye-catching enamels sprinkled with vivid yellows, pinks and blues.
Some of the items also use a black rhodium to give the metal a darker and edgier look that contrasts with the brilliant gems.
“Bahraini people are very open-minded and into fashion,” said Chang, which is why his company decided to showcase its items at Jewellery Arabia.
They range from around BD40 up to approximately BD1,500. Chang pulled out one of the higher-end items, including an ornate necklace enveloped in appetising amethysts and tasty blue topazes. The bedazzling necklace looked heavy, but was surprisingly light and flexible and sells for approximately BD2,520.
Thailand also delighted visitors with the fabulous new ‘Ploi Thai’ fashion and jewellery show held by the Thai Embassy. Thai models showcased some of the region’s premium pretties. ‘Ploi’ means coloured gemstones in Thai and refers to all kinds of gemstones that are polished and skilfully cut by artisans in Thailand.
I needed to sip something a little rich and haute after my tantalising trip to Thailand, so I made my way over to The Overdressed pavilion to get a taste of the latest goods for the season.
Founder of theoverdressed.com and stylish fashion blogger Dana Mohamed Al Khalifa, 30, presented a curated pavilion of jewellers from all over the world, including Los Angeles, London, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Paris and Zurich.
“I started the blog in December of 2009 and it grew and morphed into this,” said Dana. “It’s been amazing with lots of great feedback, energy and nice customers.”
The contemporary assortment was chosen and created for the working woman who wants to treat herself to a little luxury. The Overdressed features affordable price points and offers a plethora of chic and sophisticated styles, including brands and artists Aamaya by Priyanka, Charles Oudin, Charmaleena, Muneera Al Sharhan, Seven Friday and Suzanne Kalan.
“I use everything. Because we are price-conscious, I like, for instance, when white topaz is used instead of diamonds. I like different coloured quartz just to give the effect, but to keep the cost down. We have things from BD100 to BD7,000,” she said.
“It’s not about being expensive, it’s about having the best quality of whatever, be it furniture, jewellery or clothes.”
After such a rich rendezvous and feeling a little overdressed, I needed to cool down, so I decided to take a dip in an opulent Egyptian oasis that Hong Kong’s Wendy Yue brought to the show.
Wendy Yue is a celebrity favourite and her exclusive and fanciful designs have been spotted on stars such as Glenn Close, Katy Perry and Jessica Alba, to name a few. She never fails to impress with her luscious collections.
This year she took guests on a tour of ancient Egypt with her new collection, which featured emeralds, cats, scarabs and rutilated quartz with sparkling champagne diamonds.
“We are really pushing the yellow and emerald colours this season,” said 25-year old sales & marketing manager Yozora Michelle Ahlf, who is also Wendy’s niece.
She added: “For Wendy, it’s all about the artistic interpretation of her jewellery, so it’s always very intricate and a lot of fun.”
All of the handcrafted pieces are set in 18ct gold and range in price from roughly BD2,300 all the way up to BD38,000.
French native and costume designer Valerie Dourmap, 48, visited the show for the first time and enjoyed the concepts.
“I love animals and flowers and something different. I’m not so much of a diamond girl. I like colours and big sizes,” she said.
Who wouldn’t want to dress up after a lavish Egyptian adventure? Nothing screams luxury quite like lace, so I strolled over to Bahrain’s own Al Zain to see their new ‘Lace’ collection and what other sparkly confections they had.
Two of the new collections have been designed by Shaikha Al Khalifa, who has just joined Al Zain. They are the ‘Arabesque’ and ‘Lace’ collections. All of the delicate designs are set with diamonds and are available in gold, white gold and rose gold.
Creative director Noora Al Zain, 26, showed off one of the sophisticated ‘Lace’ necklaces, which was adorned around her collar.
Noora was excited about the launch and meaning behind the new ‘Arab Deco’ collection that features interchangeable coloured tassels.
“It’s about the women during the Art Deco time; they were very free and they were getting their voice and I feel like the same thing is happening with the Arab world, so I’m excited about what it represents,” she said.
University of Bahrain student Aysha Hamad, 21, found her dream engagement jewels at Al Zain.
“I have found a diamond necklace and my engagement ring, which has a single diamond in the middle,” she said. “I was looking for something simple and elegant; I know the owner of Al Zain, and he was very helpful.”
It was easy to lose track of time at such a grand exhibition, so I visited one of Germany’s premier watchmakers, A. Lange & Söhne, at the Bahrain Jewellery Centre stall before leaving.
Founder of Process Analytical Middle East Company, Andrzej Jopek, 49, was there on the quest for a timeless timepiece.
“I’ve been looking for a new watch for many years. And it’s the experience of searching for ‘that watch’. I am looking for a good mechanical watch with a reputable known company, one that would be a good investment in the long term,” he said.
“You have to really do your homework and fall in love with it. It’s almost like a marriage. It’s not a five dinar trip to the souq. I enjoy coming to see all the brands at Jewellery Arabia because they bring additional watches to the show and you can have the full experience and take it in,” he added
While Andrzej was busy admiring the latest A. Lange & Söhne, Patek Phillippe and H. Moser & Cie watch styles at the exhibition, his wife, Krystyna, 49, appreciated the fresh floral arrangements that were garlanded all around.
With all of these mouth-watering marvels, it was beneficial to have a diamond dietician on deck to keep oneself in check.
Jewellery Arabia offered complimentary seminars hosted by the prestigious Gemological Institute of America, but this year, the International Gemological Institute also hosted the first ever mobile diamond jewellery testing laboratory to assist consumers in understanding different grading reports and certifications in order to make educated jewellery choice.
In my experience working in the industry, these courses offer a smorgasbord of knowledge for anyone interested in some of the technical aspects of jewellery.
Security measures were also increased this year to ensure all the jewels would remain safe and sound.
I have no doubt that anyone who visited Jewellery Arabia this year had their thirst for extravagance quenched with all the enticing icy treats everywhere.
