The Dubai Business Group for Gold and Jewelry Designers has announced two landmark initiatives aimed at reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global center for jewelry craftsmanship and innovation. The first-ever International Jewelry Design Award 2024 and The Dubai Jewel Narratives members’ exhibit, held from November 12 to 14, 2024, celebrated the city’s rich heritage while spotlighting the creativity and elegance of jewelry designers from around the world.
A Global Stage for Jewelry Design
In a significant development for the prestigious competition, the Dubai Business Group for Gold and Jewelry Designers (DBG) expanded the scope of its International Jewelry Design Award this year. Traditionally a platform for local talent, the award invited jewelry designers from across the globe to participate, allowing them to showcase their artistic prowess on a broader stage. This collaboration with Azza Al Qubaisi, a renowned Emirati artist and founder of the Ebdaa Award, marked a milestone for the initiative. Previously limited to UAE participants, the award now offers an opportunity for global creatives to present their designs, further establishing Dubai as an international jewelry design hub.
The grand award ceremony, which took place on November 14, 2024, at the JGTD Exhibition, Expo City, Dubai, saw a diverse range of designs across various categories. The event highlighted the boundless creativity of contemporary jewelry designers and recognized the rich tradition of fine craftsmanship that has been central to Dubai’s jewelry scene.
Winners Across Diverse Categories
The International Jewelry Design Award 2024 featured multiple categories, each celebrating a distinct aspect of jewelry design. The “Message to the World” category saw Zahra Deghanabnavi clinch first place with her piece that conveyed a powerful narrative. Nazha Merhej secured second place, and Mahya Afkami rounded out the top three. In the “Echoes of Nature” category, Sumayah Al Jaede emerged as the winner, with Alireza Mokarram Dorri and Fatmemah Alajmi following closely in second and third. Their designs reflected a deep respect for nature’s beauty, demonstrating how natural elements can inspire modern artistry.
The “Heritage and Legacy” category honored designers who paid homage to cultural traditions while embracing contemporary techniques. Maha Salameh claimed first place, while Ronaldo Buensalida and Raoudha Touati were awarded second and third respectively. In “Stones of the Year,” which focused on the elegance of gemstones, Mansi Periwal’s creation took first place, with Budoor Al-Budoor and Waad Alshuaili earning second and third.
The final category, “Trophy of the Year,” celebrated outstanding achievement in jewelry design. Budoor Al-Budoor emerged as the winner, with Nazha Merhej and Shabnan Bhojwani securing second and third places. These winners not only showcased innovative design concepts but also demonstrated the versatility of jewelry as both an art form and a cultural expression.
Strong Support from Industry Sponsors
The event was made possible through the unwavering support of key sponsors, including HRD Antwerp, AV Group, Jawahara Jewelry, and JGTD. These sponsors played a vital role in promoting innovation and creativity in the jewelry industry, with each bringing their expertise to the table. Their involvement underscores the importance of collaboration in advancing the global jewelry design landscape.
The Dubai Jewel Narratives: A Platform for Dubai’s Jewelry Designers
In addition to the International Jewelry Design Award, the Dubai Business Group for Gold and Jewelry Designers also launched The Dubai Jewel Narratives, a new initiative aimed at providing a platform for local designers to showcase their creations at leading exhibitions and trade shows. This initiative offers designers the opportunity to present their collections to an international audience, promoting Dubai’s heritage and reputation as a center for cutting-edge jewelry design.
The Dubai Jewel Narratives featured an impressive array of designers, each contributing a unique vision and style. Among the notable participants were Donata Anderloni (Donydo), Farah Yazbeck (Joia Jewels), Roudha Touati (Zahrat Al Rawda Jewellery), Sara Mohamed Diab (Illustra), Shaima Hadi (Sam & Jo), Fatma Al Barram (Muria Jewellery), Greta Perez (Varan), and Nouf Fahad (Aseila Jewels). Their works demonstrated the breadth of talent within Dubai’s jewelry community, with each designer bringing distinct cultural influences, innovative techniques, and exceptional craftsmanship to the exhibition.
Visionary Leadership for Dubai’s Jewelry Design Community
Maha Al Sibai, Chairman of the Dubai Business Group for Gold and Jewelry Designers, emphasized the Group’s commitment to fostering creativity and supporting the growth of the jewelry design sector in Dubai. “Our goal is to create opportunities that facilitate the exchange of art and culture on a global scale,” she said. “The design competition is a prime example of how we are providing a platform for international leaders in the jewelry industry to share their expertise.”
Nosheen Bakhsh, Secretary General of the Dubai Business Group for Gold and Jewelry Designers, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are shining a light on the exceptional talent emerging from the UAE, and by doing so, we are establishing ‘Made in UAE’ as a mark of excellence in the global jewelry market.” This focus on nurturing local talent is central to the Group’s mission, positioning Dubai as a key player in the international jewelry design scene.
Behind the Scenes: The DBG Leadership
The Dubai Business Group for Gold and Jewelry Designers continues to grow under the guidance of its dedicated leadership team. Chairman Maha Al Sibai, Vice Chairman Ali Al Ali, Treasurer Khawla Alnoman, Secretary General Nosheen Bakhsh, Director of Membership and Marketing Vinita Michael, and Director of Public Relations Tamara Al Shamari form a dynamic team committed to shaping the future of Dubai’s jewelry design community. Their efforts are instrumental in positioning Dubai as a premier destination for jewelry innovation, collaboration, and cultural exchange.
Dubai’s Commitment to Innovation in Jewelry Design
The Dubai Business Group for Gold and Jewelry Designers remains steadfast in its mission to elevate Dubai’s standing as a global leader in jewelry design. By nurturing creativity, fostering collaboration, and celebrating innovation, the Group continues to support the development of a vibrant jewelry design ecosystem. The International Jewelry Design Award 2024 and The Dubai Jewel Narratives serve as prime examples of how Dubai is investing in the future of its jewelry industry, while honoring the city’s deep cultural roots.
As Dubai continues to solidify its place on the world stage, initiatives like these help ensure that the city remains at the forefront of the jewelry design world, offering a platform for both emerging and established designers to showcase their work and share their stories. Through its commitment to promoting creativity and craftsmanship, the Dubai Business Group for Gold and Jewelry Designers is paving the way for a new era in jewelry design—one that celebrates both tradition and innovation.
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