Simple classic and modern styles for daily wear are dominating jewellery purchases in the Middle East, said leading retailers during a recent webinar powered by Jewellery, Gem & Technology Dubai.

Speaking at the ‘Exploring New Frontiers at JGT Dubai’ webinar in early December, Arveen Iskandarian, chief financial and operational officer of Edward Iskandarian Jewellery, said diamond and gold jewellery pieces are gaining favour among Lebanese consumers. 

“Prior to Covid, people were investing in coloured gemstone jewellery. Nowadays, the trend is moving towards diamonds in sizes varying from 0.5 to 2 carats. Simpler pieces – for instance, a pendant with a single stone – do well,” she said.

The Lebanese market is currently partial to modern designs and daily-wear pieces, she continued. Grand events and weddings, which traditionally yield orders for statement jewellery, elaborate necklaces and tiaras, have yet to resume in the country due to pandemic-related precautions.

Fashion and brands largely influence jewellery purchases in Lebanon, Iskandarian revealed. More millennials are investing in jewellery, often seeking trends and designs that go viral due to celebrity use. “Lebanese women are avid followers of fashion trends. Consumers above 50 tend to buy jewellery as an investment while the younger generations favour everyday jewellery,” she added.

Consumer tastes in Saudi Arabia have also evolved amid the pandemic. Simpler, smaller and lighter jewellery pieces are gaining favour over the bigger and more opulent creations that once dominated the market, said Abdulghani Alsayegh, vice president of the Saudi National Committee for Precious Metals and Gemstones. 

Jewellery of 18-karat gold also move faster than previously preferred 22-karat gold items. Coloured gemstone jewellery pieces have grown in popularity too due to their bigger, stylish and colourful looks at reasonable prices, maintained Alsayegh, who is also the vice president of Abdul Ghani Heritage Jewelry. 

Simpler, classic jewellery styles suit the post-lockdown needs of Saudi ladies, said Mohamed Almuhaisen, chairman of Saudi jewellery manufacturer and retail brand Al Muhaisen Jewellery. While social gatherings and parties are currently permitted, these are often smaller in size and stature.

“Parties nowadays constitute around 20 or so women, unlike before when 60 women would come together and wear their finest clothes and jewellery. The gatherings are more casual; they do not require statement jewellery, just everyday classics,” Almuhaisen said. 

-    Full story in JNA January-February 2022 issue. Email [email protected] for print copies.
 

-    Click here to watch the ‘Exploring New Frontiers at JGT Dubai’ webinar.