RAPAPORT… Organizers of the 18th edition of Dubai International Jewellery Week hosted 23,964 visitors from 99 countries and 367 exhibitors at its January show. While local buyers purchased goods, wholesalers and retailers from  other regions such as  Albania, Bahrain, Kosovo, Kuwait, Macedonia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Turkey provided an added sales boost.

“We have had a fabulous turnout this year at the show. I think the Dubai jewelry market, on the whole, is growing, which is also one of the reasons why we have had so many customers at our stand,” said Shankar Ramanathan, the head of marketing for La Marquise.

Diamond trader Michelle Buxani Panjwani, of Hong Kong-based  Temptations, who exhibited for a first time in Dubai, said,  “We have exceeded our expectations in terms of our targeted sales for the show and sold jewelry worth more than $2 million to buyers from Dubai, India, Kazakhstan and Russia.” She added the company may consider opening an office in Dubai.

Ghazi Bin Talib Jewellery from Saudi Arabia reportedly purchased diamond and gold jewelry worth $500,000 during the event, while  Adam’s Sons Jewellery from Oman purchased products worth more than $220,000 and loose diamonds worth $20,000, according to the organizers.

Trixie LohMirmand, the head organizer of  Dubai International Jewellery Week, said, “The 2013 edition of the Dubai International Jewellery Week has been a huge success and I am pleased with the overall positive response provided by exhibitors and visitors alike.”

The 19th edition of the Dubai International Jewellery Week will take place December 3 to 6, 2014 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Meanwhile, given the growing popularity of these jewelry shows,  Dubai World Trade Centre just created the Dubai International Jewellery Trade week, in April 2014, to provide manufacturers and wholesalers a platform to network with buyers from large jewelry consumer markets in the Gulf region.