Apart from showcasing an array of luxury collections by renowned local and international brands, the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE), which concluded on Saturday, also hosted talks and workshops that provided participants and visitors a deeper understanding of precious gems, branding, art and gemmology.
The six-day event, held from May 9-14 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, witnessed experts discussing a wide range of topics “from the creative process of jewellery formation to consumer savviness when it comes to buying diamonds and precious stones”.
One of the workshops included ‘The Story of Hairaat,’ highlighting the success of award-winning Qatari jewellery designer and founder of the brand, Nada Khamis al-Sulaiti.
Al-Sulaiti, who established her own brand in 2011, opened the first boutique in November 2019 at The Gate Mall in Doha. Hairaat showcases luxury pieces that reflect Qatar’s rich heritage and architectural concept “with the highest of standard jewellery design concepts”.
“Each Hairaat jewellery piece has a story behind it,” stressed al-Sulaiti, who was a product of the Young Qatari Designer initiative and now aims to continuously raise the quality of jewellery design in the region.


A workshop by International Gemological Institute (IGI) provost and creative head Sara Ben Zid on ‘Beauty and Value of Rubies, Sapphires and Emeralds’ discussed the importance of certification, as well as recognising the different types of precious gemstones through various factors such as formation, location, and various sources.
Papillon Jewellery founder Noora al-Ansari and Image, Etiquette and Protocol consultant Elisabete Reis put a spotlight on ‘Jewellery Etiquette’, concept and collection, and “the importance of buying the right piece of jewellery that reflects your beauty and personality”.
At another workshop, Letrange president and CEO Sebastien Letrange focused on “bringing modernity into the 184-year-old luxury leather goods brand.” He also tackled the brand’s “pursuit of excellence in savoir faire, constant innovation in products and the love of art.” Sebastien is the 7th generation member of Letrange, a family business established in 1838 and one of the oldest makers of leather goods France.
The 18th edition of DJWE also held a workshop titled ‘Journey through time with Vacheron Constantin’ presented by renowned watch collector and Qatar Watch Club founding member Abdulla Sager al-Khouri.
As Qatar is all set to host the FIFA 2022 World Cup, this year also marks what was described as an exceptional year for watchmaking, especially with the oldest watchmaker, Vacheron Constantin. The brand was showcased at the Alfardan Jewellery pavilion, along with other renowned luxury brands.
DJWE 2022 also witnessed the debut of Qatar’s Gems and Metals Calibration Lab (GMCL) – an IGI-certified facility. It aims to raise awareness on the importance of grading and help ensure products available in the Qatar market meet international standards.
A first-ever at the exhibition include the showcasing of Louis Vuitton’s Saturne necklace, an extraordinary creation of 186.42 carats featuring more than 140 multi-coloured sapphires and diamonds; Gaga Milano’s collection, which comprised unique and limited edition Italian timepieces such as the Quirky Tourbillon, Napoleone, Manuale 48mm and Skeleton 48mm; and Mouawad’s Regina Suite (a dazzling necklace that turns into a crown), and Dragon Suite (largest yellow diamond of its type as graded by GIA).
At DJWE, Alfardan Jewellery’s Al Tawash showcased exceptionally created pieces, highlighting Qatar’s rich pearling heritage. It displayed Alfardan’s vast collection of the world’s most beautiful natural pearls – known as a source of pride, joy, and wealth for Qataris.
 
 
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