By Joey Aguilar/Staff  Reporter

With hundreds of companies in the market, there is obviously stiff competition in the jewellery business – watches and ornaments in particular.
Edmond Avakian, CEO of Avakian Group of Companies, spoke of their success at creating unique and exclusive items. He said high quality and high end products are the company’s trademark.
“We have a variety of items for ladies, with particular emphasis also on men’s jewellery. We have a large collection of cuff links, necklaces, rings, accessories and bracelets and we specialise in high end corporate gifts,” said Avakian in an interview yesterday at the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) at Doha Exhibition Centre.
“We have items for ministries, governments, and very unique objects that are given to foreign head of states and dignitaries when they visit the country,” he said.
Some of the items on display included a necklace with an 87-carat emerald stone which costs around $2mn and takes about one year to make on order. Another item is a special wrist watch which costs QR 500,000 and take five to six months to finish.
Since most of their products are exclusive, Avakian stressed that a high percentage of their work is on order. He said they have established boutiques in Geneva (head office), London, New York, Moscow and in Beverly Hills. They are also planning to open boutiques in some parts of Asia like Hong Kong and China.“So bearing in mind that the competition is fierce today, we always try coming up with a unique and exclusive products – be it in the men’s or ladies’ jewellery fields,” said Avakian, who often visits different countries inspired by his passion – pursuit of precious stones of the finest quality.
The CEO also lauded the Qatar government,  for encouraging exhibitors every year to participate in the prestigious event.“We come every year here, we like being in Qatar because it is a very stable government. It wants to encourage exhibitors and devotes a particular budget for the jewellery exhibition,” he said.
Since there are some 500 companies competing, he said HH the Emir’s support is very important to all exhibitors. Prime Minister and Foreign Minister HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani led the inauguration of the exhibition.