Bridal jewellery and diamonds galore: seven reasons to visit the Jewellery & Watch Show in Abu Dhabi

Check out pieces from Emirati and international designers to suit every aesthetic

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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 October 26 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 emerging designers from all over the world, and pick up pieces not usually available in the UAE. This year, JWS has roped in 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 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 high-end jewellers under one roof, making it a worth a visit if 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 jewels, in sets for the ethnic Indian bride, or as standalone pieces, for those who prefer one statement jewel.

Lebanon’s Nsouli has a dedicated Royal collection for weddings and other big events, with diamond sourced and sorted by in-house gemmologists and craftsmen.

George Hakim, also from Lebanon, has an 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 for the actress’s own daughter), operates between India and the Middle East. It’s known for its diamond collars, and rings and earrings affixed with statement stones.

Emirati Designer Gallery

In a bid to encourage and promote UAE talent, JWS has a gallery dedicated to Emirati jewellers, with five debutant designers expected to showcase their pieces this year. 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. Returning Emirati designers include Hessa Alabdulla and Qelada.

New designers

Also new to the show is Onirikka, a New York brand founded by an El Salvador designer, which is known for its quirky, colourful jewellery; and Dubai jeweller Tejori, which and creates contemporary diamond, pearl and coloured stone designs.

Ebda’a Award

Emirati jewellery artist and philanthropist Azza Al Qubaisi will host the seventh edition of the competition, which provides emerging and amateur designers with a platform to submit and receive feedback for their creations. This year’s award categories are: pearl design, Emirati design, calligraphy and people of determination.

Try before you buy

While JWS will be home to thousands of jewels, there are still so 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 come up with a combination of jewels that suits your aesthetic.

Ones to watch

Frank Muller, distributed by Al Sayegh Jewellery 
Frank Muller, distributed by Al Sayegh Jewellery 

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.