Almost 500 entries have been received for the coveted Middle East Premier Awards for Watches, Jewellery and Pens 2011 edition, said the organisers.

Online nominations for the 2011 edition are now closed and winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony to take place at Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa on November 22.

The 483 entries are for watch and jewellery brands, top designers, standout creations, a range of exclusive watches, jewellery and pens from around the world.

The event is organised by the Arabian Watches and Jewellery magazine.

'The Middle East Premier Awards draws the best and most representative talent from the industry, and over the years have become known as the 'Industry Oscars',' said Arabian Exhibition Management chairman Shaikh Mohamed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.

'The awards also serve as motivation and recognition of young and upcoming jewellery designers from around the region.

'This year's edition will recognise excellence in design and conceptualisation in 20 different categories of watches, jewellery and pens apart from three individual awards for outstanding Young Arab Designers.'

The awards were initially conceived in 2006 by Arabian Watches and Jewellery Magazine and PenME to establish industry standards in the region.

They serve to recognise and reward the best brand performers in their respective categories through a rigorously screened process monitored by independent, representative, unbiased, and experienced professionals.

The 2011 edition of the award will again be held alongside Jewellery Arabia Exhibition in Bahrain, a regional meeting point for the international jewellery and watch community.

Sponsored by Audi Cars, the nominated entries will be adjudicated by a 16-member committee comprising independent veteran industry officials, observers, designers, aficionados and connoisseurs of watches, jewellery and pens.

The committee has been constituted by MPP-ME, Middle East representatives of Arabian Watches and Jewellery and PenME magazines.

The nomination and selections are done through a clear and transparent process.

Once companies and brands have nominated their entries for the various categories through the dedicated website, members of the general public are also encouraged to make their selection through a region-wide media campaign.

Finally the votes of the public and those of the adjudicating committee are merged and weighed by independent auditors and kept secret till the day of the ceremony.

There are various award categories for watches, jewellery, pens and fine writing instruments and young Arab designers.-TradeArabia News Service