An exquisite $3.5 million bridal set, studded with rare Burma rubies and diamonds, has won lot of admirers at the Jewellery Arabia 2012 expo in Manama.

Bahrain-based Asia Jewellers says visitors from the GCC region, particularly Saudi Arabia, came in large numbers to check out its collection of Maximilian bridal jewels.

"This is a big boost for the local market and the economy as, through this expo, some of the best brands in the industry are showcased to the public under one roof. The jewellery comes in different price ranges to suit everyone," said company director Elyana Jaffar.

"We are selling bridal jewellery which is popular and much sought-after. We are looking forward to visitors from Saudi Arabia, especially since the Eid holidays have begun there."

Her sentiments were echoed by Bahrain Jewellery Centre director Abbas Shirazi. "We are offering new collections of watches and jewellery at the expo and looking forward to a lot of visitors from Saudi Arabia," he said.

"This expo is certainly important for the economy. It's the sixth largest exhibition of its kind in the world, which puts Bahrain in the global arena for hosting such prestigious events annually."

The five-day show featured 550 exhibitors from more than 30 countries, with a strong presence from Bahrain's jewellers including Al Mahmood Pearls, Al Zain and Devji among others.

Leading jewellery exporting countries and a host of prominent manufacturers from across the globe are participating in the show - including Audemars Piguet, Breguet, Chopard, Corum, Harry Winston, Hublot, Omega, Panerai, Patek Phillipe, Piaget and Vacheron Constantin.

"We are pleased with the turnout and expect about 70,000 visitors at the end of the expo," said Arabian Exhibition Management sales and marketing director Fawzi Al Shehabi.

Organisers had said they registered a 10 per cent increase in exhibitors compared to last year.-TradeArabia News Service