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Jewellery lovers in the region have literally fallen head over heels for artistic designs from Italy being featured at an ongoing jewellery show in Sharjah.
The Italian Art Pavilion has become the cynosure of all eyes at the MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show at Expo Centre Sharjah, with visitors making a beeline for fine Italian jewellery that holds high value in terms of beauty, art and craftsmanship.
The Italian Art Pavilion, together with the Italian Pavilion, also reflects the increasing Italian participation at the show, which has been underlined by a rise in Italian jewellery exports to the UAE. The value of jewellery exports from Italy to the UAE has jumped 32 per cent in the first five months of this year, strengthening the UAE’s position as Italy’s second largest export market.
“With gold prices remaining under pressure and markets around the world showing signs of a recovery, Italian designers and manufacturers are counting on the appetite for all things gold in the region. And, they have chosen the MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show to target the entire Middle East and North Africa region,” said Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.
According to reports, jewelry exports from Italy, which is also considered as Europe’s top jewellery manufacturer and exporter, rose 6 percent in value terms during the period to 2.34 billion Euros ($3.1 billion) compared with a year ago. About 70 per cent of the jewellery produced in Italy is exported, and the UAE and Switzerland have accounted for more than 40 per cent of the exports in value terms during this period.
Reflecting the rising interest in the UAE and the region, the Italian Art Pavilion is seeking to win over the region’s jewellery lovers with the combination of artistry and craftsmanship that is unparalleled in the world of jewellery making.
“If it is Italian, people don’t care whether it is handmade or machine made... they know pretty well that the inherent level of quality in design and execution is top notch,” added Mr. Midfa. Some of the premier creations that are on display at the pavilion include those by Maurizio Fusari — the ‘Aisan Al Arab’, the ‘Rawda’ and the ‘Baab Al Hajj’.
“In ‘Aisan Al Arab’, the artist expresses the strength and grace of the Arabian horse. The ‘Rawda’ in yellow gold and diamonds is a metaphor for the Islamic paradise. And, the complexity of ‘Baab Al Hajj’ relives experiences of the Prophet Ibrahim. These are priceless pieces of art that will be a valuable addition to every jewellery lover’s collection,” said Mr. Midfa.
While the Italian Art Pavilion is being held for the first time, the regular Italian Pavilion continues to hold fort as part of the National Pavilions section, which is also featuring Hong Kong-China, India, Malaysia and Singapore.
Inaugurated on October 1, the show registered more than 8,000 footfalls on day one, nearly 8 per cent higher than the previous autumn edition of the biannual show, setting an exciting tone for the remaining four days. Exhibitors have also reported significant rise in sales, attributing it to the low gold prices and the fast-approaching festive season.
“We are expecting more sales and a better turnout this time because gold price is at a low and the festive season is round the corner,” said Mr. Ayman Habash, product manager of Riyadh-based Kanz Al Sahara Gold & Jewelry.
From Italians to Thais and those from the GCC and other countries, the MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show has become an attractive platform because of the Sharjah’s worldwide appeal as the foremost business and leisure travel destination.
“Sharjah is a good point to attract business as the Emirate receives a large number of visitors, especially from GCC countries,” added Mr. Habash.
The show is open from 11am to 10pm daily, except Friday, till 5th October and on Friday from 4 pm to 10 pm only. Admission is free for all.
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