市场情报 JNA Jan/Feb 2022 | 49 Gold jewellery by Ronco Ronco的金饰产品 The show enables international gem and jewellery companies to potentially access a market of 4 billion consumers, within seven hours’ flying time from Dubai. Professional trade buyers who will be attending JGT Dubai include stakeholders and decision-makers of jewellery retailers, chain stores, distributors, wholesalers and brands from the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries; the Middle East; North, Central and Southern Africa; Central and Southern Europe; Russia and even Brazil. Lebanese perspective Arveen Iskandarian, chief financial and operational officer of Lebanon-based Edward Iskandarian Jewellery, is making her way to the trade fair to find coloured gemstones, mountings, new technological solutions and machines to better detect lab-grown diamonds, among others. The retail and wholesale enterprise specialises in the design and production of exclusive jewellery pieces and the wholesale of diamonds, pearls and precious stones. It produces bespoke jewellery for the local Lebanese market and also exports mainly to the Gulf region and the US. “When we go to exhibitions, we seek novelty and the latest trends to keep ourselves updated on where the market is heading. Due to Covid lockdowns, sourcing opportunities have not been prevalent these last couple of years. We are eager to explore what is available in the market,” the jeweller shared in a JNA-moderated webinar, Exploring New Frontiers at JGT Dubai, in early December 2021. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds and small diamonds top Iskandarian’s shopping list. She noted there was a shortage of coloured gemstones in the market hence the trade show would enable her to stock up on her workshop’s requirements. Good-quality mountings and components such as tennis bracelets and rivet necklaces are likewise on her radar, she added. According to Iskandarian, the Lebanese market is currently partial to modern designs and daily-wear jewellery as big 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. “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. Iskandarian is bullish about business prospects in 2022, pointing to a sharp spike in jewellery sales in Lebanon when Covid restrictions were eased. “After the lockdowns, people splurged on luxury goods, especially jewellery. They had been confined in their homes and were thus eager to spend. The outlook for 2022 seems positive. Hopefully people can have their big weddings and parties so we can manufacture grand necklaces and tiaras for our clients once again,” she explained. Saudi preferences Jewellers in Saudi Arabia also welcome the physical sourcing experience provided by JGT Dubai. While digital platforms helped keep communication lines open at the height of the pandemic, jewellery is still a product best appreciated and assessed in person, said Mohamed Almuhaisen, chairman of jewellery manufacturer and retail brand Al Muhaisen Jewellery. “For the last two years, business has been conducted on Zoom and other online channels. These could not properly convey the beauty of the jewellery piece, the quality of the craftsmanship or the efforts and skills of the manufacturers,” Almuhaisen remarked. “We are looking forward to seeing jewellery in the physical space again at JGT Dubai and hope to find some remarkable jewellery designs that we can bring to our customers in Saudi Arabia.” Eng. Abdulghani Alsayegh, vice president of Abdul Ghani Heritage Jewelry, will likewise be seeking creative designs and jewellery concepts at the show as consumers nowadays expect jewellers to launch fresh collections regularly. Alsayegh, who is also the vice president of the Saudi National Committee for Precious Metals and Gemstones, said the country’s jewellery industry suffered a 40 per cent drop in business in 2020 due to Covid-19. The market is gradually recovering, with green shoots emerging in the gifting and smaller wedding segments. “The Saudi jewellery market will hopefully grow by 5 to 10 per cent in 2022. It should take some four to five years for the industry to return to pre-Covid levels,” he said.
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