The Saudi Arabia Jewellery Exposition, SAJEX, took place in Saudi Arabia from September 11-13 at the Jeddah Superdome. It was a definitive show that broke ground for Indian jewellers and designers in the Middle East.
Organised by the GJEPC, it was one of the largest B2B jewellery expo in Saudi Arabia. There were more than 200 exhibitors in over 500 booths catering to 2000+ visitors and I was a part of it all. Read on to know what happened at the spectacular show.
The show was inaugurated by the honourable chief guest, Shri Jitin Prasada, the Union Minister of State for Commerce, Industry, Electronics and Information Technology, Govt. of India. He was accompanied by the guests of honour – H.E Mr. Abdulaziz Alsakran, the Dty. Gov., General Authority of Foreign Trade in KSA, Eng. Fahad Al Jubairy, the Asst. Dty. Min. for Industrial Investment, Industry and Mineral Resources in KSA, HRH Princess Nourah Al-Faisal, the founder of NUUN Jewellery, H.E. Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, the Ambassador of India to KSA, Mr. Siddharth Mahajan, the Joint Sec. for the Ministry of Commerce & Industry in India, Mr. Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, the Consul General of India in Jeddah and prominent council and exhibition committee members of the GJEPC.
The show witnessed some amazing seminars under the theme – “Global Jewellery Investment Forum” in association with Invest Saudi; and a spectacular ramp walk. The fabulous jewellery worn by the models spoke of delicate craftsmanship and impeccable quality of the various designers and were mostly inspired by the culture, colours and crafts of the Middle East.
I was delighted to share some moments with His Excellency Dr. Suhel Azaz Khan, the Ambassador of India to the KSA. Talking on the India-Saudi partnership, he shared about how modest it was and the huge scope it had for expanding. He appreciated initiatives like SAJEX for taking a step toward this direction.
Another special conversation that I had was with Princess Nourah Al-Faisal, the great granddaughter of King Abdulaziz, who founded Saudi Arabia. I was awed by her humility and her appreciation of India’s jewellery industry. She felt that India was the best possible partner with knowledge and infrastructure to expand the relatively newer and brilliantly creative jewellery scope of Saudi Arabia.
KGK Group, a powerhouse of diamonds, has been building trust and promise for their quality for over 12 decades. Their necklace collection with solitaires and illusion settings were a testament to their skill and craft. My favourite was the single layer necklace with an emerald pendant.
The Giza Collection, a range of gold and diamond stunners inspired by the pyramids, was a key attraction point at the show. This contemporary and minimalist collection was the brainchild of Kiran Jewels, a company that is ‘rooted in Indian soil, blooming worldwide’.
The legacy of Asian Star Groups dates back 50 years. Their use of natural diamonds, premium gemstones and precious metals in handcrafted jewellery was on display at their booth in 4 new collections – Romane (inspired by colourful Roman architecture), Sarab (meaning illusion), Opulence (fancy diamonds in composite setting) and Legacy (classic designs for the next generation).
OPH Jeweller is a known pioneer in making exquisite jewels for the modern woman. Their perfection, matching the mood to the gem was evident in their latest luxury collection aptly named ‘Art of Everlasting Beauty’.
A Guinness World Record holder, Savio Jewellery marked its presence at the show with its latest opulence. Their designs and creations are awe-inspiring and exceptional. I simply loved the diamond 3 layer necklace with a multitude of colourful gemstones.
The first edition of SAJEX was a grand success and paved a new path for the India-Saudi jewellery partnership. The show was truly appreciated by the visitors and participants and this has lead the way for many more to come. Will you join me in the next one?