Jewels will sparkle and gold will glitter at the Dubai World Trade Centre, which will host the 6th Annual International Jewelry Dubai 2000 Exhibition, between May 16-20.
Much of the buzz surrounding this year's show stems from the strong European representation - local traders anxiously await this unique opportunity to explore new items. Companies from Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Latvia, France and Germany will constitute the European jewelry companies that will participate in the International Exhibition. Eleven Lebanese companies will also be on hand to show off their treasures.
"We know that local traders and visitors want to have a worldly vision of the finest jewelry greet them when they participate in IJD, and we strive to attract world-class exhibitors who will meet the demands of our discerning clientele," announced Jackie Reed, International Project Manager for IJD 2000.
Greek representation is new to this year's fair, with Assimourgiki Company, which was established in 1959 by silver craftsmen, to feature opulent silver handmade works. The Greek company aims to expand its export activities and to penetrate the UAE and other Middle East nations. KoriFi'dis, is the other Greek participant, and will showcase a variety of yellow and white, gold chains.
Perhaps the event centerpiece, the French Korloff Company from Paris will display the world's largest brilliant cut black diamond, a Dubai World Trade Center press release disclosed. The 88-carat diamond is believed by many to bring good luck to those who touch it. The treasure has only been displayed publicly 3 times prior, in Japan, Belgium and Italy, and it is believed this will mark the final time it will be exhibited on Arab soil.
The IJD will be of special interest to diamond dealers: the Diamond High Council and numerous Middle East jewelers dealing in diamonds will be participating at International Jewelry Dubai. The value of rough diamond exports to the UAE between January and June 1999 went up by $23 million compared to the corresponding period in 1998, according to the Diamond High Council.
The Expo's location is ideal as the UAE has the highest per capita consumption of gold in the Middle East, followed by Saudi Arabia. Further, the significance of gold to people in the Gulf region is substantial, with purchase incidence in the UAE as high as 65%.
Products and exhibits to be featured at IJD 2000 will range from: cut and uncut gemstones, to platinum, gold and silver jewelry; sets featuring precious pearls, gems (both cultured and freshwater), antique jewelry, a wide range of upscale watches, handcrafted silverware, packaging and display options as well as jewelry machinery and tools.
Jackie Reed told albawaba.com, "International Jewellery Dubai 2000 will have more than 200 exhibitors representing some 20 countries. We have a strong European presence this year and visitors will have an opportunity to view the view the world's largest brilliant cut black diamond by Korloff of France. In addition, the show will feature three new international pavilions: Korea, Greece and Turkey. Last year more than 10,906 unregistered trade, VIP and public visitors attended the show and 3,969 registered trade professionals attended. Given the size and stature of this year's exhibitors, we expect to surpass those records this year."
© 2000 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
