The Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) opened yesterday featuring more nearly 60 exhibitors and 500 brands, a new record in the event’s 13-year history.

Held under the patronage of Qatar’s Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, the DJWE was inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud at the new Doha Exhibition and Convention Center in West Bay.

Organised by the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and delivered by Elan Group and Fira Barcelona, DJWE 2016 is the largest ever edition of the leading jewellery and watch exhibition. 

“It has been a superb first day, and best ever visitor response,” said Ahmed Al-Mulla, Chief Operations Officer of Elan Entertainment. “Having worked hard to make this edition of DJWE stand out for highest quality, widest choice, and unparalleled visitor experience, we are delighted by the success of the opening.”

“Some exhibitors have already noticed potential buyers for unique, one-off creations which will only ever be publicly viewable here,” Al Mulla continued. “We look forward to welcoming many thousands more visitors during the remaining four days of DJWE. Our brand exhibitors, special information seminars, workshops, and of course the extraordinary creations on display continue to demonstrate why DJWE is celebrated as a world-leading luxury event.” 

More than 500 brands from 27 countries are on display at this year’s exhibition. The new DECC’s vast pillar-less floor area, superb lighting, central location and amenities provide over 29,000 sq m of exhibiting space, an increase of 16 per cent on the 2015 edition. 

Each jewel exhibited at DJWE is evaluated for size, clarity and quality, and the exhibition standards allow entry to only the world’s most precious metals: platinum; palladium; pure and sterling silver; and white, yellow, and rose gold. With new, more stringent selection criteria in place, and an abundance of rare and one-off creations, this year’s showcase for the world’s loveliest gems reaffirms Doha’s eminence among locations renowned for luxury.

The show features on-the-spot gem certification through the International Gemological Institute’s mobile gem-testing lab; four information seminars providing details about process, choosing and maintenance of the creations on display; jewellery and horology workshops for enthusiasts and designers to see great craftsmanship at work; and special viewing areas for greater privacy while taking a closer look at individual pieces.

The event runs until February 27 from noon to 10 pm.