Array of gem-studded ornaments on show

By Ali Ahmed al Riyami — The ongoing fifth edition of the Muscat International Jewellery Exhibition (MIJEX), which concludes tomorrow, is the biggest one thus far with over fifty participants that includes, besides Oman, fellow GCC countries, India, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, the UK and USA, and features an exquisite array of gem-studded brooches, rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets. From attractively fashioned gold, white gold and silver jewellery to a wide array of precious and semi-precious gemstones, this exhibition has it all and combines it with a spacious well laid out floor area, allowing visitors to wander round the serene display areas.

This Oman International Exhibition Centre (OIEC) organised event has some of the most famous names in the world of jewellery together with local, regional and international jewellers, including: Hamasat, AG Japan, Adam & Sons, Kreidy Jewellery, Fabio Fanfani Italy, Kanz Al Sah’ra, Gulf Jewel House, Luca Carati Italy, Abu Jameel Bahrain, Lazordy, Al Nafeesa Jewellery, Mogual Gem, Italian Gold Club, El Hajj Jewellery, Arpas AS Turkey, Aref Jewellery, Abu Emad Jewellery, Pavlo Le Pendle, Zela, Silver Jewel Box, Nisouli Jewellery, Gulf Union LLC, Faisal, Asia One Trading Co, All Gems Jewellery Co, Turkiye Accessories, JCM London, Entice Jewellery, CHJ Jewellery PTE, Gems & Jewels Palace, 110 Precious Co, Inch of Gold, Chrisya , Jewel Trading, Jewellery Sakai, Purity Jewellery Co, Emel Diamond, Generoso de Sieno, Bead World and Bazelt. In comments given to the Observer, Amal bint Nasser al Jabria, Marketing Executive of OIEC, noted, “Thanks to the high number of participants, this is the biggest of the five Muscat International Jewellery Exhibitions we have hosted here.

“Over this five-day period we are expecting over 20,000 visitors, due to the very good media plan we made. There are many people interested in jewellery and this is a chance for retailers to display their wares and for visitors to see what is on offer. With this period being a popular time for local couples to marry, it’s a good time to have this exhibition here.” She further noted, “Although this is not one of the biggest jewellery exhibitions in the region, it is one of the important ones.” Khalid bin Ahmed al Zadjali, local representative of Kanz Al Sahra’a in Oman, whose General Manager, Saeed MS Habash, was present at the exhibition, spoke to the Observer about their company and the exhibition. He said, “Kanz Al Sahra’a is a factory based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which started out 20-years back. “We have branches in all GCC countries — with Oman’s branch due to open this year in a new mall.

“Our collection is based on Middle Eastern design and, as manufacturers, we can retail at wholesale prices. Most of the designs are in-house by our own jewellers and all of the display you can see here has been designed by them. “We are dealing with white gold, yellow gold and silver and a big variety of gemstones, mostly diamonds, as well as emeralds, sapphires and rubies. We have taken part in all of the other four exhibitions held here. They are smaller compared to other major exhibitions, but its fine and we have our customer-base that makes us come back to exhibit every year.” Muscat International Jewellery Exhibitions features jewellery shows, sponsored by the Thai Association for Gold and Precious Stones Traders, and Seminars, organised by the American Jewellery and Precious Stones Institute.

(Photos by Ali al Riyami and courtesy of OIEC)

Wednesday 28th, May 2014 / 20:42 Written by Ali Ahmed Al Riyami 

in Features