The Italian Trade Commission-UAE has brought 15 top Italian companies to the the Dubai International Jewellery Week (DIJW), at a time when Italian jewellery exports to the UAE increased 20 per cent year-on-year in 2008, it said.

DIJW – which opens today (November 4) at Dubai International and Convention Centre, will further strengthen trade ties between the two countries, according to the commission.

“The Italian know-how, quality and expertise in the jewellery sector is recognised by experts and we are pleased to share it with our main economic partner in this sector, the UAE,” said Francesco Alfonsi, Italian trade commissioner.

Amongst the Italian delegation are premier brand names such as Adamas , Bruno Aristi, Clio Pro, Collaro, Daverivicenza, Maio & Mayor, Nardelli Luxury, PP Silver, RB Progetti, Romano Braga by Fontana's and Scala Gioielli.

China will also be making its show debut in 2009, taking overall country participation to 15, with delegations drawn from all corners of the globe.

“The UAE is one of the top 10 most-confident countries in the world and consumer spending remains buoyant,” said Trixee Loh, senior vice president, Dubai World Trade Centre. “Given this optimistic outlook Dubai International Jewellery Week has attracted strong interest from many international companies.”

Another feature at this year’s show is the ‘Pearls of the World’ pavilion. This dedicated area will highlight traders, wholesalers, retailers and designers, all renowned for their expertise and specialisation in the field of pearls. This area includes key companies such as Mattia Mazza from Italy, Robles Pearls from Tahiti and Shanghai Gems from Switzerland.

The International Gemological Institute, a longtime supporter of the exhibition workshops for members of the trade, is hosting a ‘Know Your Diamonds’ workshop.

Dubai International Jewellery Week will also be the venue for announcing the winners of the first-ever Jewellery Design Competition at the show.

The event takes place from November 4 to 7 and is supported by Dubai Diamond Exchange, Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group and the World Gold Council.-TradeArabia News Service