A REAL GEM
▶ From sparkling bridal jewels and the latest timepieces to the world’s most expensive guitar, Panna Munyal points out highlights from the Jewellery and Watch Show in Abu Dhabi
The 27th Jewellery and Watch Show is being held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance, from Saturday until Wednesday, October 30. On display are pieces from brands and independent jewellers from 25 countries, with many of the jewellers showcasing their latest collections, one-off designs and never-seen-before jewels. Here are some reasons to visit:
International Designer Gallery
The event is a platform to view the collections of established and budding designers from all over the world and pick up pieces not usually available in the UAE. This year, JWS will feature Kohinoor Jewellers, which was established in Agra in 1862; Bahrain’s Mia Moon, which works with diamonds and other precious stones; Primus Jewellery from Thailand, which handcrafts all of its diamond jewellery and has been around since the 1950s; and Italian high-jewellery brands Veschetti Gioielli and Luca Carati. Connoisseurs of the classic pearl, meanwhile, can head to the Yoko London stall.
Bridal jewellery
JWS brings a host of highend jewellers under one roof, making it worth a visit whether you’re getting married, attending a wedding or simply looking for an investment piece. Abu Dhabi’s Al Masaood Jewellery stocks its own line of fine jewellery and watches, plus options from luxury brands such as Movado, Concord, Sarcar, Hasbani and Busatti.
Another Abu Dhabi import, Amwaj has a range of bridal sets – from sautoirs and three-strand necklaces to cocktail rings – featuring rare and luxury stones. Unconventional brides can check out the high-jewellery and couture lines for diamond chokers and stacks of coloured stone bracelets.
From Dubai, Dusoul by the Dhamani Group offers diamond-encrusted pieces, in sets for the ethnic Indian bride, or as stand-alone items for those who prefer one statement jewel.
Lebanon’s Nsouli has a dedicated Royal collection for weddings and other big events, with diamonds sourced and sorted by inhouse gemmologists and craftsmen.
George Hakim, also from Lebanon, has a haute joaillerie collection realised in modern silhouettes – from zip necklaces and collarets with chunky centre stones, to chandelier earrings and rings in full bloom.
Renee, a brand run by former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen’s mother (and named after the actress’s daughter), operates between India and the Middle East. It’s known for its diamond collars, as well as rings and earrings that are affixed with statement stones.
Emirati Designer Gallery
In an attempt to encourage and promote UAE talent, JWS has a gallery dedicated to Emirati jewellers, with four debutant designers expected to showcase their pieces at Adnec this year. Visitors should look out for the artistic designs from Aisha Rashid’s Arqa by AR; the Wishing Well line from Baguette Design; the coloured stones sourced from Kashmir and Kazakhstan by Charms of Arabia; and everyday diamonds in stylish yet simple designs from Tanache. Emirati designers returning to the event include Hessa Al Abdulla and Qelada.
New designers
There are fresh designers on show this year. Onirikka, a New York brand founded by a Salvadorean designer is known for its quirky jewellery; Dubai jeweller Tejori, which creates contemporary diamond, pearl and coloured stone designs; and UAE jewellery brand Lubhyati Fine Jewelry.
Ebda’a Award
Emirati jewellery artist and philanthropist Azza Al Qubaisi will host the seventh edition of this competition, which provides budding and amateur designers with a platform to submit concepts and receive feedback for their creations. This year’s award categories are: pearl design, Emirati design, calligraphy and works by people of determination.
Try before you buy
While JWS will be home to thousands of jewels, there are still many more to be had. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, head to Styledotme’s augmented reality experience chamber. Here you can try on as many pieces as your heart desires, virtually, and find a combination of jewels that suits your aesthetic.
Ones to watch
Al Sayegh Jewellery will bring timepieces from Frank Muller, Montegrappa, Perrelet, Bell & Ross and Qlocktwo watches; and Al Masaood will display its Movado, Concord and Motion watches.
Eden of Coronet
Covered in almost 11,500 diamonds, weighing a whopping 400 carats, a $2 million (Dh7.35m) guitar will be on display at JWS for all five days. Known as the Eden of Coronet, the Gibson SG guitar holds the Guinness World Record for being the world’s most valuable guitar.
Stones aside, the piece is made with 1.6kg of 18-K gold. Gibson teamed up with jewellery designer Aaron Shum and musician and designer Mark Lui to create the stunning instrument, which was worked on by 68 artisans and took 700 man-days to complete.
“We try to display striking items at JWS each year and the world’s most valuable guitar does just that,” says event manager Mohamad Meheiddine. “Visitors can enjoy the guitar not only for its extravagance, but also be in awe of its functional use for musicians.”
Covered in almost 11,500 diamonds, the Eden of Coronet is made with 1.6 kilograms of 18K gold