Emirati Goldsmiths Platform Launches First Locally Sourced Gemstone, “Spirit of the Emirates,” at Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show
Sharjah: The Emirati Goldsmiths Platform unveiled the first locally sourced Emirati gemstone during the 57th edition of the Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show, held at Expo Centre Sharjah. This initiative received support from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).
The gemstone, named “Spirit of the Emirates,” is derived from natural red jasper sourced from the Al Siji region of Fujairah, in collaboration with the Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation. This launch marks a significant advancement for the UAE’s national jewellery sector.
Showcasing Local Talent
The Emirati Goldsmiths Platform showcased a robust presence at this year’s event, featuring 20 designers from across the UAE, including seven first-time female participants. This participation underscores the platform’s commitment to expanding opportunities for local talent and nurturing the next generation of jewellery entrepreneurs.
A notable highlight was the inclusion of contributions from the community of people of determination, particularly through the “Al Shoufa” design, which garnered significant attention from attendees.
Strengthening the Jewellery Value Chain
The initiative is also fostering deeper integration within the industry, with several members transitioning into commercial supply activities. One participant has emerged as the first Emirati gemstone supplier, sourcing authentic stones from international mines and museums to bolster local jewellery designers, thereby enhancing the domestic jewellery value chain.
During the exhibition, Emirati designers presented a diverse array of collections that blend traditional influences with contemporary design concepts, reflecting the increasing sophistication of the UAE’s jewellery industry. The showcased pieces included luxurious gold jewellery embellished with diamonds and precious gemstones, as well as designs inspired by Emirati cultural heritage and environmental themes.
Support from Local Institutions
H.E. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, remarked that SCCI’s backing of the Emirati Goldsmiths Platform enables local designers to achieve new successes and introduce innovative concepts to the jewellery sector. He emphasized that the launch of the first Emirati gemstone is a pivotal milestone that strengthens the domestic jewellery value chain and enhances the competitiveness of the UAE’s gold and jewellery sector.
Mona Al Suwaidi, Director of the Executive Office of SCCI’s Chairman and responsible for the Emirati Goldsmiths Platform, noted that the launch of the “Spirit of the Emirates” gemstone resulted from fruitful collaboration with the Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation. This partnership has allowed Emirati designers to access and utilize locally sourced geological resources.
Evolving Vision of the Platform
Al Suwaidi explained that the platform’s vision has expanded beyond supporting design and sales activities to encompass a broader entrepreneurship-driven ecosystem, including supply-chain leadership for gemstone sourcing and procurement for local designers. She highlighted the meaningful participation of designers from the community of people of determination, whose creations exhibit strong creative and commercial potential. These developments signify a shift in the platform’s role from a talent incubator to an integrated innovation ecosystem focused on enhancing the UAE jewellery value chain and establishing a genuine Emirati identity in the global jewellery market.
Within the Emirati Goldsmiths Platform, designer Fatima Al Muhairi, recognized as the first internationally accredited young Emirati specialist in gemology, introduced two signature creations crafted from Emirati jasper to commemorate the gemstone’s launch.
Signature Creations
The first design, titled “Spirit of the Emirates,” serves as a narrative piece that traces the gemstone’s journey from local geological resources to a finished luxury jewellery product. It incorporates elements such as the mountain from which the jasper was extracted, a palm tree symbolizing national heritage, and architectural features inspired by Al Muwaiji Fort. Additionally, it includes a natural pearl that symbolically connects the UAE’s traditional pearl-diving era with the emerging era of locally sourced gemstones.
The second piece, named “Erth” (Heritage), is a unique brooch shaped like a camel’s head, integrating a pearl from Al Suwaidi Pearls Farm in Ras Al Khaimah with jasper sourced from the Al Siji region of Fujairah. This design symbolizes the UAE’s evolving jewellery value chain by merging traditional and emerging natural resources into a single creation. The camel and pearl reflect the country’s historical legacy and cultural identity, while the jasper stone signifies a new generation of locally sourced gemstones.
Commercial Potential of Emirati Jasper
The Emirati jasper gemstone possesses several qualities that enhance its commercial viability within the luxury jewellery market. Its natural red hue, combined with a hardness level of 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale and a waxy-to-glassy luster, provides the durability and aesthetic qualities necessary for premium jewellery applications. These attributes position the gemstone as a competitive locally sourced option, reinforcing the appeal of Emirati-made luxury jewellery in both regional and international markets.
“Durri Jewellery,” a registered Emirati jewellery brand participating in the platform, is also showcasing a portfolio of contemporary collections centered on natural pearls and UAE-cultured marine pearls. The brand offers exclusive collections inspired by Emirati heritage, merging elegance with local cultural identity through a distinctive artistic vision that reflects the richness of the UAE’s traditions and craftsmanship.
For further information, please contact:
Ali Elgendy
Misbar Communications
ali@misbar-me.comAhmad Aldwairi
Misbar Communications
ahmad.aldwairi@misbar-me.com
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-06-14 16:47:00 • By the Editorial Desk
