Qatar-inspired jewellery steals show
EXQUISITE pieces of jewellery inspired by Qatar’s cultural and architectural concept at Hairaat Jewellery booth has been stealing the show at the ongoing Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) organised by Qatar Tourism at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.
Hairaat, a brand by awardwinning Qatari designer Nada Khamis Al Sulaiti showcases pieces created by combining Qatar’s rich culture with international jewellery techniques, making each of the pieces tell a special story.
The jewellery is primarily inspired by Qatar where the designer takes the architectural language and the hidden beauty she finds in Doha and in Qatar whether it is in sea, desert and ornaments from the heritage and transform it into modern jewellery that suits international ladies.
Speaking to Qatar Tribune, Sulaiti said though her pieces are inspired by Qatari culture, she has displayed a bespoke piece from a private collection called Sakura which was commissioned by one of her clients who loves Japanese culture.
“Primarily, I work with the Qatari culture influence but I can design what my clients want. For this, my client wanted a Japanese-inspired piece in reference to the cherry blossom,” she said.
Sulaiti added that her brand is Qatari-French infusion because she has been mentored with a French house.
“I use international standards, primarily French techniques and some French influence in my jewellery,” she added.
Talking about the DJWE, she said that she was excited to be back and to see her friends from the industry.
“It has been two years. It’s good to see that buyers are still interested, people are interested to see the pieces, meet and greet us, and see what is new,” she said.
She said that it is fascinating to have brands like Louis Vuitton in this edition for the first time.
“This is the first time that Louis Vuitton is exhibiting in a multi-brand exhibition. Louis Vuitton normally does solo shows. This is great for DJWE as well as us the participants,” Sulaiti added.
Though Sulaiti has participated in DJWE for five times, this is the first time to have her own pavilion.
“The first time I participated was a solo just to showcase my solo piece. In 201 , I started with Young Qatari Designers (YQD). It is exciting to have my pavilion. It’s worth it when I see the reaction of my clients and visitors loving this space and the jewellery,” she said, thanking Qatar Tourism for giving her the opportunity to have her own stand.
Sulaiti added that DJWE has given her an opportunity to grow and in 2015, there was no Qatari designers pavilion, and she exhibited a commissioned piece.
“I specialised in bespoke, make to measure and at that time, I exhibited a piece that was sold. It was an exquisite piece that won two international awards, sheding light on me from all international media,” she said. “Later on, between 2015 and 201 , I started developing defined jewellery line in order to sell to the public because I specialised in commissioned pieces, big pieces. It took me two years to develop four lines which were launched during DJWE in 201 and it was a growth process.”
Talking about the demand for personalised jewellery, Sulaiti said, “Everything personalised and customised is the trend internationally, not just in Qatar. Now, there are mass production, there are a lot of items that are not recognisable and people want to feel that there is something intimate to them, something that they like. We even now offer a personalisation in fine jewellery, so you can pick and choose the stone or the enamel.”
Speaking about natural pearls, Sulaiti said their market will never go out of fashion.
“We always have a pearl collection. We actually don’t sell natural pearls unless it’s commissioned because the materials are so precious that we want them to be specialised made for the client himself or herself. We have a huge collection in cultured pearls, called ubarah a tribute to ubarah city which was the city for trading of pearls in Qatar,” she added.