Mid East weddings worth more than USD 700 million to jewellery industry

Jessica Sutherland, Managing Director of organisers IIR Exhibitions, estimates that up to one third of the cost of an average middle class wedding will be accounted for by jewellery.

She said: "As much as $ 25,000 is spent on jewellery for an average wedding as that includes not only presents to the couple plus their own jewels but also members of the families buying jewellery for themselves for the event."

More than 10 jewellery suppliers are taking part in Bride 2004, which runs until Thursday (April 15) at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

Eternity Diamonds, part of the Antwerp-based Super Jewels Group, a key sponsor of Bride 2004, will unveil its new Eternity Heart yellow diamond at the show on Thursday.

The classical piece is a 35.69 carat heart shaped stone about 1.5 inches in diameter and has been crafted from rough diamonds to create something that would be fit for a princess, the company said.

For those who want to be ahead of the crowd at a wedding, Upscale & Posh, (www.upscaleandposh.com) are displaying their Museum Collection of tiaras at their pavilion with designs created exclusively for weddings and formal events together with matching Italian handmade shoes embellished with Swavorski crystals and hand beading.

The collection includes a tiara based on the one Princess Grace of Monaco wore at her daughter Caroline's wedding, a Russian tiara with matching Cinderella slippers and a tiara based on the work of early 19th century French designer Boucheron.

Tiffany Fowler, Assistant Managing Director at Upscale & Posh, said: "We are one of the few outlets on the world offering tiaras based on originals that are housed in state museums across Europe. These tiaras are heirloom quality to be passed down from generation to generation."

The company will unveil details of its soon to open Wedding Events and Design Centre at the show.

The final evening of the show on Thursday will feature the Young Designer Award.

It will be competed for by 29 selected entrants from five of Dubai and Sharjah's top design colleges including The Design Academy, Beams International Centre, Pearl Academy, Preston University and the Dubai International Institute.