Wednesday, Dec 13, 2006
Gulf News
Dubai: Sales of gold and jewellery in Dubai have grown by 300 per cent over the last decade, according to organisers of the Watch and Jewellery Dubai trade (WJD) exhibition, which opened yesterday.
Helal Saeed Al Merri, director general of the Dubai World Trade Centre, said Dubai is now one of the most exciting markets in the world for the industry and is a gateway to the entire Middle East region for leading international players.
He said the surge in the value of gold during the first half of 2006 and increasing interest in diamonds and precious coloured stones has forced WJD to change its exhibition representation.
Diamond suppliers represent 20 per cent of all exhibitors, while precious coloured gemstone distributors account for 16 per cent.
The event features some of the region's leading jewellery makers and retailers, including Istana, Damas, Dhamani, Al Anwar, Salem Al Shueibi and Samra. International players such as Rosy Blue will also be included.
As well as jewellery launches, trade visitors and member of the public will be treated to a silent charity auction, a fashion catwalk and the inaugural Watch and Jewellery Dubai Industry Awards.
The event takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre until December 16.
Diamonds
Meanwhile, Diamond Trading Company (DTC), the sales and marketing arm of the De Beers Group, has announced that its Forevermark will be rolled out in the Gulf in the third quarter of 2007.
The diamonds will feature a special symbol and identification number (both invisible to the eye) which is unique to each stone in an effort to provide buyers with confidence in their purchases.
Gulf News 2006. All rights reserved.
