The presence of buyers from over 80 countries, with the largest numbers being from UAE, India, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Russia, Kuwait and China, and exhibitors from 21 countries showcasing over 25,000 pieces of jewellery, ensured that the VOD Dubai International Jewellery Show (VOD DIJS) held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Nov 15-18, 2018 ended on a positive note, the organisers have said.

The show was organised by DV Global Link, a joint-venture company between Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), and combined a unique B2B and B2C format.

A significant role was played by the hosted buyers programme which saw international retailers and wholesalers being paired with exhibitors to ensure access to unique collections, competitive advantage, and the chance to build new relationships in the industry.

A highly effective promotional roadshow focused on attracting new buyers also played in a role in bringing in a number of new visitors from central Africa.

Commenting on the conclusion of the four-day event, Show Director, Luca Veronesi said, “The consolidation of the new format, which started last year and continued on for this instalment, confirms it is the most strategic, optimum and suitable considering the market dynamics. The impact of such a beneficial B2B and B2C showcase will provide a boost for Dubai’s jewellery industry, and that of the entire MENA region, going forward into 2019.”

Other highlights of the four-day event included presentations by industry experts including the latest forecast for the upcoming seasons, consumer insights, and product directions in diamonds, gemstones and gold jewellery by Paola de Luca, the co-founder of TRENDVISION Jewellery + Forecasting,’; on “Emeralds: A Royal Gem” deciphering the mystery and history behind this precious jewel and why women, from Cleopatra to Kate Middleton, will continue to be fascinated by this green legend, by the International Gemological Institute (IGI); and events such as the Middle East Jewellery Designer’s Forum 2018 organised by The New Jeweller which explored the “Era of Design”, with respected resource speakers discussing the dynamic design movements, its value in the market now and how it will continue to shape, in particular, the future of the Middle Eastern gem and jewellery sector and a talk on identifying synthetic diamonds by Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

An Independent Designer’s Space and Children’s Competition – two initiatives primarily focussed on nurturing, enlightening, and inspiring local jewellery talent, in collaboration with Dubai-based diamond studio 55FIFTY7, and the participation of representatives of Qelada, a government programme that provides an empowering platform for people of determination to employ their immense creative talents to design beautiful jewellery pieces, were also popular.

Next year VOD DIJS will take place from November 13 to 16, 2019.

Pic courtesy: VOD DIJS on Facebook