Pan-Arab Gold Jewellery Design Contest sets records in 2006

The contest, tagged as 'Al Ibda'a Al Hur' received an overwhelming response with 8,000 gold jewellery designs from both amateur and professional Arab designers from all over the world. In fact, the World Gold Council had to extend the date for sending in entries as there was a tremendous interest in the competition from all quarters. Having set records in 2006 year, the PADC is set to become a much bigger contest this year with a new partner, a new look and a much wider approach.

PADC 2006 not only exceeded previous year's number of entries but matured as a design contest. In 2006 each of the winning designs had been inspired by art or nature. 'Till 2005, the contestants came up with their own ideas. They designed a traditional set or something which was keeping with previous designs. However, this time we gave them a strict line to tread. We did not want anything that was too conventional. Jewellery should not be limited to a necklace, earring or bracelet. This time we wanted something more innovative. We even encouraged them to look at international designs and see how and in what ways they can be creative,' says Ms. Lama Saheb, PR Manager of World Gold Council in Dubai.

'The local designers have a lot of talent and this time, they followed the Arabian essence. They designed a traditional head piece in a modern and fresh way. This was something very unique. Even in the bridal category we had something interesting this time. The winning designs included a full skirt, bra, full body piece and scarf. So, all of the designs were very different from the earlier times and we are very happy with the change,' explains Ms. Al Saheb.

Getting through the PADC contest is not an easy task. There is a panel of judges from the World Gold Council and L'azure. 'We received around 8,000 entries for PADC 2006. Not all of them were worthy enough to make it to the contest so we sifted through them and short listed 1000 designs. Then we again short listed 100 out of this and then finally 30 designs are selected which were manufactured in the factory of L'azure in Saudi Arabia. L'azure has all the rights to the winning designs. However, the most important factor that determines the fate of a design is its novelty. We look for something that is different and unique. However, the design should also be practical to manufacture. It does not make any sense to create something so complicated that it is difficult to adapt it in real gold. So, we also see if the designer has considered the process of manufacturing while creating his design. We also consider how the piece would do if it is put in a shop for sale,' she elaborates.

Once the designers have emerged winners, there is nothing stopping them. They receive enough exposure to get recognised as a serious designer. 'The winners are encouraged to participate in exhibitions and after making it to the PADC, they get a lot of media coverage. This year onwards, we will have another partner AngloGold Ashanti. They already have a very famous jewellery design contest known as 'AuDitions'. We will club PADC with 'AuDitions' and it will be known as either 'AuDitions Arabia' or 'AuDitions Middle East'. PADC will then become a part of an international design contest so the participants can expect exposure on an international level. We have already started getting calls from people enquiring about the new contest,' says a hopeful Ms. Lama. This will also make the contest more popular especially in foreign countries. By being a part of Gold Auditions it's already reaching there. 'AuDitions' is already very popular in South Africa, Brazil and India and by being in their league, PADC will become more recognised as a jewellery design contest.

Lastly Ms. Al Saheb has some advice to aspiring designers. 'Do not copy because if you do that you will not get anywhere. Try creating something original and unique. There are no restrictions for PADC. All you need is creativity and we'll give you wings to fly high,' she promises.