Papu Butani, wife Lakshmi, sons Mukesh and Manoj and nephew Yash Kewalramani at their store in the Alfardan Pavilion. PICTURE: Jayan Orma
By Ramesh Mathew/Staff Reporter
Veteran Hong Kong jeweller and diamond exporter Papu Butani says the passion among Qataris to possess exclusive designs and patterns is amazing and has few parallels elsewhere in the region’s industry.
Butani, who has been a regular visitor to the country for the last 43-odd years as part of his business activities, has also been a regular participant at the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) since its inception in 2004.
Recalling his participation in the “first ever” jewellery exhibition held in the country in 1982 at the erstwhile Doha Club (where Sharq Village is located at present), Butani said Qatar has always been a favourite destination for diamond entrepreneurs like him and the country’s several affluent collectors have in their possession a number of remarkably good pieces, usually unseen elsewhere.
Usually Qatari women buyers, said Butani, visit the venue of the exhibition at least twice. “The first arrival is for seeing the ornaments showcased and reaching a purchase decision. Mostly, they conclude their business either on the penultimate day or the last day of the event,” said Butani.
While creations made of white and yellow diamond have all along been a hit with the locals, many new enthusiasts look for pieces rich in sapphire, emerald and ruby stones, said Butani. His family members - wife Lakshmi and twin sons Mukesh and Manoj - were also busy at their counter in the Alfardan Pavilion at DJWE 2015.
The Indian-born businessman, who made Hong Kong his home close to 50 years ago, feels it would be good if the working hours of the exhibition were scheduled between 10am and 6pm or 1.30 pm and 10pm, instead of 12noon and 10.30pm, as is done now. Many participants, he said, get exhausted due to the long hours.
