JEDDAH: In spite of gold becoming more precious and expensive by the day, its demand in Saudi Arabia remains steady with Saudis longing increasingly for the trendiest Italian jewelry, according to a market leader.
"Italian jewelry is in great demand because of the trendiest fashion it continues to maintain," a management spokesman for Binan Jewelry told Arab News over the weekend, on the sidelines of its first Saudi showroom launched at Al-Basateeen mall. Stunning diamond rings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants made in gold, silver and platinum, as well as precious gems, distinguish Italian jewelry. "Appealing to the average shopper is the jewelry made in 18K gold, ranging from necklaces to earrings," he added.
Prince Saud bin Saad Al Saud presided over the inauguration in the presence of a large number of officials and diplomats from Italy, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka, as well as Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Vice Chairman Mazen Batterjee who was accompanied by leading local businessmen. Italy nourishes the jewelry industry with the finest designs, and maintains the uniqueness of the designs, highest quality of diamonds, and exceptional finishing. The Italian jewelry brands in demand include Giovanni Ferraris, Di-GO, LeoPizzo, DeLazzari and Crivelli.
Once Italians were the last word in car and jewelry designs, and Italian jewelry used to control the world market till around 2000. But slowly Italian jewelry trade lost its glitter and it began to lose the race to lower-cost rivals from China, India and Turkey. "But the new jewelry fashion trends set by Italians are catching up and particularly in demand," an Italian diplomat said, adding that the Kingdom has shown a preference for the beautiful designs of Italian jewelry despite the fall out of the world economic slowdown.
© Arab News 2009
