A unique collection of masterpieces by young Qatari designers (YQD), which reflect Qatar’s rich heritage and its wise leadership, will take centre stage at the 15th Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE).
The event, presented by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and delivered by Auditoire under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, will be held from February 21 to 26 at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Nouf Jewellery by Qatari designer Nouf al-Meer collaborated with renowned Qatari artist Ahmed bin Majed to transform his famous ‘Tamim Al Majd (Tamim the Glorious) portrait into an exclusive piece of fine jewellery.
“Together we came up with a unique design that is hand made with intricate details. It is a limited edition. This specific pendant will forever be a symbol of power and strength for the Qatari people,” stressed al-Meer, who takes inspiration from nature and environment, as well as social interaction with people.
She is one of the six new and returning local designers to the DJWE 2018 as part of the YQD initiative, which provides a unique platform for revealing their new collections, alongside the most respected international brands.
Al-Meer’s Nouf Jewellery, which comprise of fine jewellery-making experts, will also be releasing its newest designs for the first time at DJWE 2018.
Another YQD, Nada bint Khamis al-Sulaiti, who studied jewellery design in the UK, said she draws her designs from Qatari nature and integrates it with international standards to design and produce her collections.
Her company, Hairaat, established in 2011, showcases designs, which “radiate Qatar’s rich culture to the world through jewels blending it with international appeal, creating unique statement pieces.”
According to al-Sulaiti, Hairaat wants to link the country’s “remarkable cultural and architectural concept” with highest of standard in jewellery design and craftsmanship.
“Hairaat’s pieces tell a story. We are in constant pursue of beauty in the rich culture and heritage of Qatar to create timeless and magnificent pieces of jewellery like never seen before,” she stressed.
Like al-Meer, Ghada al-Buainain is also inspired by the environment around her in designing her pieces.
She designed her first collection when she was 22 in 2014 and called the collection ‘Pipe In Gold’ since it was taken from a mechanical character.
Al-Buainain’s company, named after her, “aims for eminence and distinction in creating urban and peerless designs.”
Hissa & Jawaher al-Mannai, who founded Ghand Jewellery, started designing during their past time while growing up, taking their mother’s unwanted accessories and making new styles and designs from them.
Now, Ghand produces “exclusive designs inspired by different cultures and the world around us.”
Meanwhile, Leila Issam Abu Issa is a young designer with a flair for business who and emerged from a prominent Middle Eastern merchant family, whose success and history spans generations.
Her grandfather, the late Abdul Salam Abu Issa was a photographer of the Gulf States’ royal families, publishing portraits of the royals and documented major events for many years.
With the know-how in operating the luxury business, Leila is continuing on the family’s legacy and taking it into its third generation.
Focusing on quality over quantity, YQD Leila Issam designs pieces to create ultimate adornments for women who are becoming successful in their lives and careers, and “who love to demonstrate their feminine inner strength.”
A Qatari designer for gold and pearls, stones and diamonds, Sheikha Mohamed said the jewellery company she founded is characterised by its modern and innovative designs that combines past and present ideas.
“Each piece has a lot of meanings and valuable messages, specially made for the women of the Qatari society,” she noted.
