Thousands visit Sharjah Jewellery Show on day one

The show was opened on Wednesday and will run until Sunday.

"The allure of gold and diamond jewellery has been too irresistible for jewellery aficionados. At the same time, the freefall in stock markets worldwide and the uncertainty engulfing the global financial markets have been encouraging others too to consider buying gold as a safe investment option,"

said Mr Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah.

"No wonder thousands of visitors and residents are flocking to the region's most popular jewellery fair," Mr Midfa said, explaining the reasons for the massive turnout at the halls of the region's most popular jewellery show.

"If the huge turnout on day one itself is any indication, the show is set to surpass the previous show's visitor turnout by a huge margin," said Mr.Fasahat Ali Khan, Adviser to the Chairman and Board of Directors of Expo Centre Sharjah.

The 24th edition of the show held in April this year had registered over 50,000 visitors from all over the world.

Jewellery buffs also have a gem of an opportunity to catch a glimpse of a novel piece of artistic creation in diamonds - a ring that resembles the iconic Burj Al Arab.

The ring, being displayed at the Italian pavilion, is created by Leonardo Chilleri, owner and designer of Noi Gioielli, which is exhibiting under the umbrella of the Italian pavilion at the jewellery show.

The ring is handmade and reproduces the Burj Al Arab, the iconic structure designed to symbolise the UAE's urban transformation and to resemble the sail of a boat.

An eye-catcher at the exhibition, the ring is in 166 colour G VS1 diamonds 3.22 carats, one natural acquamarine 26.70 carats and 18 carat white gold.

The representative of a prominent jewellery chain said demand for gold was very high due to various reasons like rising inflation, upcoming marriage season in several regions, increasing investment value and awareness about the relative safety gold investments offer in volatile markets.

He was very optimistic about sales at the show, particularly during the weekend.

The show features elegant and exquisite jewellery designs from nearly 400 exhibitors and master jewellers at 16,000 square metres of exhibition space.

The displays include loose pearls, diamonds, precious stones, gold and diamond jewellery, diamond and pearl sets, crystals, watches, jewellery displays, and different kinds of tools used in the trade.

Exhibitors from Belgium, Brazil, Japan, Turkey, Lebanon, Qatar, Bahrain, Indonesia,Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, India, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Italy, Malaysia, the US and the UAE are displaying contemporary as well as traditional gold and diamond jewellery collections, precious stones and watches.

"There are several designs that have caught my attention... don't know which one to buy..." said Rolla, a Lebanese national, who was seen shuttling between several stalls.

"The 'Burj Al Arab' ring is really the jewel in the crown. But there are several other works that are equally beautiful and attractive," she added.

Country pavilions saw big crowds as soon at the show opened. Buyers thronged the 72 stalls at the Hong Kong pavilion, the biggest country pavilion at the show, to have a look at what was on offer.

Similar crowds were seen at the pavilions of India, Italy, Thailand, Singapore and Lebanon.

Special attractions at the show include fabulous prizes.

On every purchase of Dhs500, visitors will have a chance to qualify for a daily raffle draw, where gifts will be presented.

The show will be open on October 9, 11 and 12 from 11am to 10pm, and on October 10, it will be open from 4pm to 10pm.

Ladies will have free entry and exclusive timings on October 9 and 12 from 11am to 2pm.