More than 360 exhibitors from more than 30 countries are showcasing their jewellery collections, precious gemstones and cutting-edge designs at the Dubai International Jewellery Week 2013 that opened today (December 4).

The four-day extravaganza at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), inaugurated by Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, features 44 different product types, hundreds of bespoke luxury pieces and some never-before-seen pieces on display.

Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president, DWTC, organisers of Dubai International Jewellery Week, said: “This consumer and trade exhibition is the most anticipated jewellery event of the year to drive global and regional trade. It is also encouraging to see so many visitors taking advantage of the exclusive range of fine jewellery and precious stones that are being sold at unbeatable prices.

“It gives us great pleasure to welcome more than 120 new exhibitors from Australia, Indonesia, Kuwait and Portugal to this year’s show. We are expecting another hugely successful edition.”

Highlights at the event include an intricate one-of-a-kind headpiece, launched by Indian Jeweller Lucky Stone, which represents ‘A bird’s eye view of Palm Jumeirah’. Also taking the show by storm is Apple Green Diamond from Japan who are showcasing for the first time, their unique range of Nano Technology Diamonds.

Renowned Dubai-based jewellers Dhamani have also attracted attention again this year, by introducing one of its rarest collections of exclusive diamond studded watches. Available in emerald, rose gold, full white diamonds and natural fancy diamonds, their latest collection comes with a price tag of up to Dh1 million ($272,000).

Rohit Dhamani, director of Sales and Marketing at Dhamani Jewellery said: “With the Dubai International Jewellery Week being one of the most anticipated jewellery exhibitions in the region, customers and visitors to the show look forward for new and unique designs. With UAE National Day celebrations across the UAE on the same weekend as the exhibition, we thought this would be a perfect time and year to launch this watch collection for our valued customers.

Running alongside the event is the fifth Jewellery Design Awards, taking place tomorrow at a glittering ceremony at Dubai’s Kempinski Hotel. With more than 500 entries picked from every corner of the globe, the awards recognise excellence in design, innovation and creativity from both amateurs and professionals.

Winners of each category, who have already been announced online, will walk away with a trophy and prizes awarded by GIA Middle East, the regional arm of the world’s foremost authority in gemology. A prototype of their design is on display at the exhibition by the National Institute of Vocational Education.

GIA Middle East got underway with its three complimentary seminars and kick-started the day by giving visitors a brief introduction into the jewellery industry. Shortly after they offered an exclusive insight into the mystery of the pearls and finally concluded the day by providing some fundamental advice on how to buy jewellery wisely.

The popular Hosted Buyer Programme also returned again this year, providing top-level buyers, from KSA, Kuwait, Qatar, Russia and Turkey among others, an opportunity to meet with the exhibitors of their choice for focused one-to-one appointments. – TradeArabia News Service