Al Tawash to showcase Qatar’s rich pearling heritage

Alfardan Jewellery’s Al Tawash is set to showcase special pieces exceptionally created for the 18th edition of Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE), highlighting Qatar’s rich pearling heritage.“It is our history, our tradition. People here used to make a living out of pearls (before the discovery of oil and gas),” Ali Hussein Alfardan, vice chairman of Alfardan Group and president of Alfardan Jewellery, told a roundtable discussion yesterday.Al Tawash Pearl Gallery displays Alfardan’s vast collection of the world’s most beautiful natural pearls – known as a source of pride, joy, and wealth for Qataris. At the DJWE 2022, taking place from today (May 9) until May 14 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, Al Tawash unveils exquisite and exclusive pieces designed by Alfardan Group chairman Hussain Alfardan for the six-day event.“We will be signing agreements with some big brands who want to buy (natural) pearls to make their jewellery,” Ali Alfardan said. “A lot of people would love to buy a necklace with pearl or a bangle or a ring or an earring because pearls reflect our culture, our history.”He recounted that their forefathers, including his father, had to go pearl diving and return after a month, selling their pearls to the Maharajas in India since nobody was buying pearls in Qatar then. “We have big demand for pearls now, from big companies who want to buy from us to make their jewellery with natural pearls because as you know is becoming very difficult to find and to get and we have some special pieces,” Ali Alfardan said.A huge collection at Al Tawash Pearl Gallery, from handcrafted ornaments to raw pearls, attracted many visitors and collectors from the region and other parts of the world.Besides pearls, Ali Alfardan also cited a huge demand for men’s watches, especially among the young generation in the country, who have been researching and following renowned watch brands.According to Ali Alfardan, this was not the case two years ago compared with most women who have always been keen on luxury timepieces. “They know what they buy, they read and research a lot. They know what is coming out, and they know what is special about a watch.”Ali Alfardan noted that if 90% of the sales used to come from women, today, the ratio is about 50 – 50, possibly due to a number of factors such as social media and internet where most information can be found.“Many of the watches we usually sell were mostly for ladies. Now you see a lot of men are following the watches and you see the prices are going up in the black market,” he said, noting the demand for these luxury timepieces continue to rise. “There is a big shortage of supply. I know some brands which make about 4,000 to 5,000 pieces per year, (and now) they have orders of about 20,000 watches,” he said.Ali Alfardan noted that the young generation is now his biggest customers, who find daily (use) and simple items appealing. Since a big number of them are collectors, the Alfardan pavilion has allotted a big space for such pieces.Renowned Qatari brand Noudar by Noor Alfardan, Ali pointed out, sells many of these high-demand pieces almost everywhere in the world.“We are selling it in Los Angeles, London, Mikonos and in many countries (in the region) like Saudi Arabia and Dubai. We manufacture everything here in Doha, and we have a big workshop for Noudar. Celebrities like Lady Gaga JLO (Jennifer Lopez), the Kardashians, among others, are wearing Noudar,” he said. “Noor is also set to launch a new model in the exhibition.”Ali Alfardan said DJWE is getting bigger and famous worldwide, bringing together renowned international brands never been seen in other similar events.Unparalleled quality and sophistication are the hallmarks of Alfardan Jewellery, trusted by generations. Alfardan Jewellery is a pioneer in the region for holding the exclusive Jewellery and Watches Exhibition for the first time in 1977. It eventually became a public event in 2003 where the world’s finest designers descended to the region to feature their best works. Alfardan Jewellery will feature several high-class brands under its portfolio: Chopard, Vacheron Constatin, Marli, Sartoro, Girard-Perregaux, Noudar, Dior, Franck Muller, Chaumet, Kismet by Milka, Persee Paris, Mouawad, Casato and Corum. Spanning over 33,000 sqm, 500 exclusive brands will be represented at the exhibition, with 65 exhibitors from over 10 countries. On display will be local talent, international designers, global brands and jewellery connoisseurs. Indian actress Alia Bhatt will inaugurate the exhibition. For 17 years, DJWE has been the go-to, exclusive, high-profile gathering for jewellery aficionados, global brands, and aspiring designers.