Bahrain is known to have a cultured taste when it comes to the finer things in life, especially its love of fine jewellery and watches. Apple Sharma takes you on a luxurious treasure hunt of the most exquisite findings on the island
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Although this may be accurate for most women, it also rings true for a lot of men who take a great deal of interest in the same pursuit – evident in the fact that most jewellers tend to be men.
Whether you’re looking for an exquisite piece to add to your collection or treating a special someone, the best place to start this month would most definitely be Jewellery Arabia 2017, the Middle East’s premier jewellery and watch exhibition, which is set to return to the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre from November 21-25. This spectacular annual event brings together over 600 exhibitors from 30 countries for a dazzling five-day gala of glitz and glamour. World-famous watch and jewellery houses, including major brand names, showcase a wide range of finished jewellery, luxury timepieces, precious stones, objets d’art, clocks, fine writing instruments and more.
You can even authenticate your purchases with the Bahrain Institute for Pearls & Gemstones (Danat), who will be present at the exhibition to verify your gems. Read more about Danat in the following pages, which features an interview with its CEO.
Apart from international vendors, renowned local companies will also be exhibiting their products and services at Jewellery Arabia. And there are quite a few that have been flying the flag for the luxury segment from Bahrain.
Asia Jewellers is among some of the top exhibitors, the group being one of the pioneers in the trade of the finest international jewellery, watches and accessories. It’s the sole distributor for more than 60 trademarks, including Zenith, Damiani, Corum, UlysseNardin, Philip Stein, De Grisogono, Pomellato, Raymond Weil, Montegrappa, Pasqual Bruni, Gaspari and Gucci. This is in addition to its partnership with major international boutiques such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Audemars Piguet, IWC and the exclusive boutique of the legendary Panerai. Watch enthusiasts and collectors can enjoy emblematic timepieces, as well as pieces from the new collection at Audemars Piguet newly redesigned boutique in Moda Mall.
Asia Jewellers branches are spread around the Kingdom – at Moda Mall, City Centre Bahrain, Al Aali Shopping Complex and Seef Mall.
Bahrain Jewellery Centre (BJC), exclusive dealer for some of the world’s most renowned Swiss watches and Italian jewellery brands, is another powerhouse taking part in Jewellery Arabia. The company boasts a great number of flagship stores across Bahrain. These include the mono boutiques for Patek Philippe (which recently had a launch of its boutique expansion in Moda Mall), Chopard (The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain), Omega, Piaget and Tiffany & Co. BJC also houses other prominent brands, namely Bvlgari, Breguet, Harry Winston, Frank Muller, Lange & Sohne, Hublot, Jaeger Le Coultre, Barthlay, Tag Heuer and more. The company caters to younger clientele with BJC Baby, a fine accessory outlet for kids at Al Aali Shopping Complex, home also to BJC Gifts, offering unique gift items from brands such as Links of London.
Sharif Group is another favourite participant at the exhibition. Its jewellery outlet, A La Mode, stocks luxury watches and high-fashion accessories from brands Alpina, Empotio Armani, Ferre Milano, Esprit, Joop, Michael Kors, Nina Ricci, Pierre Cardin, Just Cavalli, Roberto Cavalli by Franck Muller, Rochas Paris, West End Watches and more. Apart from its own A La Mode line, Majorica, lolaandgrace and Misaki are well sought-after for their charming collections. A La Mode outlets are located in Seef Mall, City Centre Bahrain, Moda Mall and Enma Mall.
Many other local companies are heroing the watch and jewellery industry in the Kingdom.
AJM Kooheji Group’s lifestyle division is associated with world renowned brands such as De Beers from UK, Korloff from Paris, Roberto Coin from Italy, Maurice Lacroix from Switzerland and Askania from Germany.
Ambassador Stores are the authorised dealers of renowned Japanese watch brand Seiko, offering its most popular line, the Grand Seiko, as well as Prospex and the elegant Premier range.
Al Hawaj & Sons are Swarovski Boutique partners, showcasing the brands high-quality crystal product collections.
Al-Sarraj Jewellers creates fine pieces of jewellery and stocks an exclusive collection of ruby, sapphire, emerald, tanzanite and alexandrite along with a wide range of precious and semi-precious stones and pearls.
Malabar Gold & Diamonds has launched a new retail concept ‘MGD – Lifestyle Jewellery’ – practical, lightweight and trendy jewellery for everyday use. In Bahrain, it has two outlets, located at Gold City and Juffair Mall.
LIALI Jewellery is associated with customised handcrafted fine jewellery, specialising in 18k gold, certified diamonds, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones. Discover LIALI’s breathtaking collections at City Centre Bahrain.
Nomination Italy, a world leader in gold and stainless steel jewellery, has a huge cult following. Its popular personalised Composable Collection lets you express your personality through letters and symbols that represent you. It’s available at Al Aali Shopping Complex.
Damas is another leading jewellery and watch retailer, with its own lines as well as international brands.
Devji Since 1950 is renowned for its 22k gold, diamond, pearl and precious gem jewellery.
Al Mahmood Pearls has a history in the pearling industry, producing classic and modern handcrafted pearl jewellery, combined with precious stones.
The Gold Souq in Bab Al Bahrain and the Gold City on Government Avenue are brimming with jewellery shops and are must-visits for some great bargains. Most shops will also provide jewellery cleaning services.
Al Zain has launched a new ‘Free for Life’ service that provides professional cleaning, minor repairs, adjustments and polishing with no labour charges – for free. These exclusive services are part of the After Sales Experience available to customers at Al Zain boutiques.
So whether you want to splurge or save, the Kingdom has a plethora of options to indulge your passion for jewellery and watches. All you need to do is find the right piece to suit your style and pocket.
