Nearly QR2mn was raised at the 2018 Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition’s (DJWE) ‘Milestones’ charity auction on Sunday for Education Above All (EAA), a global movement that contributes to human, social and economic development through quality education and other welfare programmes and initiatives.

Several VIPs took part in the auction, bidding on the exclusive signature pieces designed by young Qatari designers (YQD) Nada al-Sulaiti (Hairaat), Nouf al-Meer (Nouf Jewellery), Ghada al-Buainain, Leila Abu Issa (Leila Issam Fine Jewellery), Shikha Mohamed (Al Ghla Jewellery); and Jawaher & Hissa Mohammed al-Mannai (Ghand Jewellery).
Al-Meer’s white gold hinged-bangle with round-cut diamonds and rubies was sold for QR400,000, the highest bid among the six pieces at the auction.
Al Ghla Jewellery’s 'Tiara', set in yellow gold with the outline of Qatar in mother of pearl, fetched QR300,000, along with Hairaat’s 'Sleeping Beauty' (Al Zubarah collection), a pair of ear pendants (18 karat white gold) with about 42 diamonds.
Leila Issam Fine Jewellery’s 'Ombres', a pair of white gold diamond and pink sapphire earrings, was sold for QR240,000 while Ghand Jewellery’s 'Mihrab', a pair of diamond and white gold earrings, went for QR180,000.
Ghada al-Buainain Jewellery’s 'Pipe in Gold', a white gold cuff necklace with a cluster of natural pearls punctuated with white diamonds, was auctioned for QR130,000.
Held by Albahie Auction House, the charity auction also included four special edition wristwatches, along with two gold bangles, by Chopard, which netted QR440,000. The amount will be used to support EAA’s 'Educate a Child' programme.
The YQD initiative, under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, is among the highlights of the DJWE 2018 aimed at nurturing young talent and creativity.
The initiative was launched last year as part of Qatar Tourism Authority’s efforts to support local designers and it is one of the exhibition’s key pillars in developing young creative talent.
A large number of visitors and industry leaders thronged the DJWE at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre to view the YQD’s unique collections, exhibited alongside prestigious international brands.
His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani visited the YQD pavilion at the exhibition over the weekend to see the unique collections of jewellery and gems.
The DJWE, which will conclude today, presents the YQDs alongside more than 490 acclaimed brands from 10 countries.
Qatar’s premier jewellers presenting their unique world-class collections at the event are Alfardan Jewellery, Ali Bin Ali Group, Al Majed Jewellery, Amiri Gems, Fifty One East, and Almuftah Jewellery, the organisers added.