World Gold Council selects the lucky winners of this year's Pan-Arab Gold Jewellery Design contest

An index to this being, the contest's unprecedented response with over 7,000 entries that poured in from across the Arab World, from both amateur and professional Arab designers. The final round of judging, which took place on June 26th 2006 saw experts pick 9 lucky winners out of the 30 final Jewellery designs, which were manufactured by L'Azurde factory in Saudi Arabia. These winners who are from the UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Syria and Lebanon will be awarded in a grand finale that will take place in November of this year, in the presence of well known Arab celebrities, fashion experts, designers and jewelers.

In the first round of judging, which took place earlier this year, 30 finalists were chosen from the thousands of designs received. The judging committee comprised of jewellery experts from the World Gold Council and L'Azurde. The 30 finalists were from all over the Arab World like U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Lybia, Morroco, Tunis.

"Tagged as 'Al Ibda'a Al Hur' the Pan-Arab Gold Jewellery Design Contest now on its 4th edition is one of the most successful initiatives to unearth the undeniable design talent of both the amateurs and professionals. It is one of the much awaited jewellery contests in the region and judging from its response this year, its popularity has increased tremendously. This was evident from the fact, that this edition of the contest saw the submission date for entries being extended by popular demand. This year's designs saw stiff competition for originality and innovation, both of which are vital and key factors to success in jewellery designing. We congratulate all the winners and as well as the participants who I am sure have discovered one of the most interesting venues to their talent," said Mr. Moaz Barakat, Managing Director, World Gold Council in the Middle East, Turkey and Pakistan.

"Due to the fact that this year's final entries have all been designed creatively, we have decided to give special award on each category therefore choosing 9 winners instead of 6 as we previously did. The extra award from each category will be given a Creativity Award in addition to the 1st place award and 2nd place award." Mr. Barakat added.

The Pan-Arab Gold Jewellery Design Contest was first launched in Saudi Arabia, then in the U.A.E., and targets jewellery lovers and artists with that special vision to capture the innate beauty and rich depth of the Arab culture. This time too, the World Gold Council has teamed up with L'Azurde, the largest jewellery manufacturer in the Arab world, and has given Future TV the exclusive rights to cover the event. On the print side, Zahrat Al Khaleej is the official magazine for the event, and will cover it with a special report.

This year, entries to the contest were accepted under the following categories:
Bridal Wear Jewellery: Features jewellery designs for engagement and wedding occasions.
Young and Cool: Modern day jewellery featuring jewellery designs for creative fashion youth wear.
Arabian Essence: Inspiring jewellery for the Arabian women, captivating jewellery designs inspired by traditionally worn jewellery designs inspired by traditionally worn jewellery with a modern twist.

The Pan-Arab Gold Jewellery Design Contest requires participants to submit designs that are original, artistic, modern and show-stopping.