Visitor traffic at the inaugural Vicenzaoro Dubai (VOD) show on day three was not very heavy but exhibitors who offered differentiated products managed to stand. Those who did more than average business at the show were the ones who brought in an inventory that not only suited the palate of the Middle Eastern market but also offered novel jewellery lines.

“Today’s individualistic woman wants jewellery that is unique and compliments her personality,” informedTheodarakidi-Mamona, director of ThyreosVassilikifrom Greece. “Although we were expecting more customers, our unusual and contemporary yellow gold jewellery received a good number of queries from the Gulf, Africa and India. Even though the people from these regions love gold, they were on the lookout for designs in gold that veered away from the traditional forms.”

Italy-based designer Maria di Toni said,“The overall footfalls were less but we managed to meet new buyers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kuwait, Qatar and Egyptas we came prepared with a number of collections that we thought would appeal to this audience.”

Ramesh Vora, GJEPC coordinator for the Middle East, informed that the Council visited retailers in Pakistan, Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey and Saudi Arabia among others in order to promote the VOD show and their marketing efforts paid off. “Around 25 Pakistani buyers have visited the show today and purchased gold as well as diamond jewellery.”

VasantBirawat of Chain N Chains Jewels Ltd., Mumbai was happy to meet a few serious buyers from the Gulf region who placed orders for 21- and 22-karat heavy and lightweight gold chains ranging from 1 gram to over 100 grams. His hottest selling items were the new mesh chains that he introduced at the show.

Despite the less-than-expected visitor turnout, exhibitors believe that this international business-to-business platform is important for the region and the show will consolidate its position in the coming years.