DJWE 2016 showcases international cultural heritage

Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2016, organized by the Qatar Tourism Authority and delivered by Elan Group, celebrated international heritage and personal histories. Many exhibitors proved to be collectors as exemplified by the pieces at show at. “Remarkable happenings are connected with these jewels,” said Mr Ahmed Al-Mullah, Chief Operations Officer of Elan Entertainment. “In parallel with the successful introduction of educational seminars and workshops at DJWE, we are delighted the exhibition is evolving into more than a major luxury event – it is a cultural opportunity and historical tour of the world.”

Italian jeweller Veschetti displayed a delicate brooch of silver, gold, diamond and saltwater pearls creating a naturalistic bunch of grapes on the vine, and which belonged to the family of Victor Emmanuel II, King of Italy (1820-1878) and first king of a united Italy since the 6th century. Lacking white gold, jewellers of the period used silver to give a white colour in precious pieces. Italian jeweller La Piramide showcased a necklace design with diamond-encrusted goldswirls around 2 large, unusual yellow ‘melo’ pearls. La Piramide also holds a giant rare pearl from the former collection of the Emperor of Vietnam, and a carved emerald (currently in Italy) commissioned by Emperor Napoleon to portray his beloved.

At Glenn Spiro, is an imperial green stone set into a beryl necklace. Jaipur-based jewellers Amrapali recreated the days of the Maharajahs, with their signature pieces - a collar of gold, South Sea pearls, and polki diamonds set round with nine enormous gemstones standing for nine planetary influences. This is the sacred, royal Navratna, or ‘nine gems’ design.

Robert Wan’s choker of twenty-five giant black pearls, begun in Mr Wan’s forties and completed in his eighties was displayed for the first time at DJWE 2016. Moussaieff has also unveiled a one-off masterpiece of rare stones at DJWE 2016: a colour-changing pink and purple sapphire necklace, containing 151carats of sapphires, and 53 carats of diamonds.Egyptian jeweller Azzy Fahmy’s head designer, Amina, created a classic ‘Sultan’ ring, with a large stone and signature AzzaFahmy details with a message engraved under the stone.