Doha, Qatar: In a celebration of Qatar’s rich culture and heritage, the 20th edition of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) is set to showcase the talent of 10 Qatari designers. These creative minds will present a diverse collection of jewellery pieces, highlighting the essence of Qatar through traditional and contemporary designs.
Among the featured masterpieces are the Battola, a traditional fashion mask, intricately-crafted beads jewellery for the upcoming Ramadan, and a striking Qatar-map shaped necklace. Personalised name necklaces and designs inspired by Qatari textiles add to the allure of this year’s exhibition, offering a display of the country’s artistic expression. Over the years, Qatari designers have achieved remarkable success at DJWE, with many becoming prominent figures in the world of jewellery. The Qatari Designers Pavilion, now in its sixth edition, stands as a testament to the platform’s role in nurturing and showcasing local talent, said Qatar Tourism.
The pavilion includes acclaimed names such as Hessa Jewels, Al Ghla Jewellery, De Trove, Ghand Jewellery, H Jewellery, Kaltham’s Fine Jewellery, Midad Jewellery, Nouf Jewellery, Thameen Jewellery, and Trifoglio. Each designer brings a unique perspective, contributing to the vibrancy of the exhibition.
Qatar Tourism Chief of Marketing and Promotion Officer, Engr. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, stressed the significance of Qatari designers’ participation, describing it as “very much important.” He revealed that special edition and statement pieces have been meticulously curated for this edition, focusing on welcoming new brands to the DJWE roster.
Hessa Jewels, founded in 2017 by Sameera Almulla, draws inspiration from Qatar’s heritage, particularly the Battola necklace. Almulla’s designs reflect her mother’s preferences, incorporating elements like the cushion-designed necklace and the Mashmum necklace inspired by the date tree. Hessa Jewels not only showcases jewellery but also features Almulla’s own line of watches. “My designs are derived from what my mother likes – the battola, and cushion-designed necklace. I also have a collection inspired by the date tree which is the Mashmum necklace,” she told The Peninsula.
Hamad Al Mohammad, founder and designer of H Jewellery, distinguishes himself by creating unique designs within Qatar. Utilising his own workshops, he takes inspiration from local artists, presenting distinctive pieces like the Arabian horse and the Arabic word for love. “My designs are unique because I have my own workshops, I create the designs and do it in Qatar. Second, I am the first Qatari designer who takes inspiration from the artists,” he told The Peninsula.
The Qatari Designers Initiative launched six years ago is a platform through which Qatari designers can stand side by side among some of the most prestigious and established local and international brands.
The exhibition, featuring over 500 brands from 10 countries, will take place at DECC. It will run from February 5 to 11.