Culture-Inspired Designers Scoop Prestigious 2016 Jewellery Awards

UAE jeweller wins Best Arabic Jewellery Design Award

Dubai, UAE, December 8, 2016:  Indigenous oriental and Islamic designs from global jewellery craftsmen were recognised by a cluster of prestigious titles at the eighth edition of the Jewellery Design Awards in Dubai last night.

Attracting both aspiring individual designers and well-established jewellery brands, the awards were presented at a glittering ceremony marking the end of the opening day of Dubai International Jewellery Week at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Out of the eight categories, ‘The Best Arabic Design Award’ went to Mehwish Allawala, a Dubai-based designer, for her ‘Royal Peacock’ pendant, symbolising the bird’s beauty and purity.

Commenting on her win, she said: “I am truly humbled and honoured that my brand QUAIS has won this category. The Award is a symbol of recognition of all the hard work and love I put in the designing of the pendant.” 

Coming with a set of matching earrings and hand-crafted in 925 silver with 21K gold-plating, the piece features strings of various precious stones mirroring the striking colours of a peacock’s feathers.

Allawala added: “Among Allah's many beautiful creations, peacock is a bird that stands out with its beautiful body created in the most symmetrical dimensions and stunning hues of its wings. As a mystic seeker, I convey love and peace through my spiritual designs and this award helps me facilitate my mission.”

With entries from more than 300 local, regional and international designers, the winners walked away with trophies and certificates awarded by six judges, including internationally-renowned jewellery-makers and experts in gemology. 

“We were particularly impressed by simple designs that encompassed both luxury and cultural heritage and we noticed that many entries featured oriental and ‘back to nature’ inspired designs,” said Nader Freiha, Director at leading jewellery and watch industry consultancy MPP Middle East and one of the members of the judging panel.

“All the entries came from extremely gifted, hard-working jewellery designers and the awards that distinguish the finest work have a vital role to play in the commercial market. It’s extremely challenging to produce something new, unique and beautiful. One thing is very clear: designs representing cultural heritage are making a comeback across the jewellery industry.”

Symbolising immortality, the design chosen by Singaporean designer Joy Loh representing Caratell, picked up ‘The Best Diamond Award’ for her ‘Coventina the Phoenix.’ 

The pendant, made of 18K gold, diamonds and other precious stones, is a tribute to the myth of the phoenix’s celebratory dance upon its resurrection from the ashes every 500 years.

Joy Loh said: “I’m thrilled by winning this award as it provides me with certain recognition on this international platform. It’s of crucial importance for all designers to be acknowledged in such prestigious competitions as it shows our effort and passion pay off and gives us inspiration for our future projects.”

Inspired by Indo-Islamic architecture Hisana Haque’s set of gold and diamond earrings featuring elaborate ornamental lattice pattern, won ‘The Best Gold Award.’

She said: “I’m grateful and astonished by this recognition as it gives me a tremendous boost of confidence in my work and inspires me to work harder and create more bold statement jewellery that draws from my cultural background.”    

Hong-Kong-based jeweller Moiseikin International Ltd picked up ‘Objet D’Art’ category for Viktor Moiseikin’s Treasure Box while ‘Best Innovative Jewellery’ was won by Mousson Atelier’s Aleksandr Sokolov for his gold and opal ring titled ‘Ring Spectrum.’

Underlining the awards mission to promote industry innovators and new talent, three trophies were presented to the winners of Emerging Designs Award 2016: Harshmi Sheth from India who won the gemstone category for her ‘Niqab – A Legacy to Treasure,’ design; Marjan Shakeri for ‘Dazzling Choker’ and Paria Garshasbi for ‘Perneck,’ who won the cultural-inspired and freestyle imaginative jewellery categories, respectively.

Their winning designs, manufactured by Maha Al SibaI Jewellery are now available for purchase at the show that will draw to a close on Saturday 10 December at 10pm.

Admission to the Dubai International Jewellery Week is free to the general public, while anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The show is open from 2:00pm to 10:00pm daily, with the exception of Friday 9 December when doors open at 3:00pm.