Gold continued to gain favour on day two at the Vicenzaoro Dubai (VOD). Exhibitors have come prepared for the Middle Eastern market that prefers plain gold jewellery. Suvankar Sen of Senco Gold who has been catering to the Gulf for the last decade informed that the Arab world prefers 21-karat gold while countries such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh opt for 22-karat gold.

Offering handcrafted filigreed jewellery with Arabesque influences, Sen hopes to meet new buyers at the show. Just like Sen, others too had researched the market preferences and adapted to the design aesthetics of the Middle East.

Ace-jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali has come out with an array of new collections that are rich and engaging for this market. Her statement pieces including massive armbands, fluid earrings and detailed neckpieces are suffused with rubellites, aquamarines, tanzanites and kynites. Farah Khan informed that she was very happy with the show and was getting many queries for her designer collections.

Sara Fraleoni of Fraleoni, Italy, showcased a special collection of quartz, sapphires and diamonds set in yellow gold. “Last year, I had participated in an exhibition in Abu Dhabi and realized that consumers here prefer to wear large pieces, so I specially made a collection for this market that includes oversized floral rings and animal-inspired bracelets. I have already got a few queries at the show.”

Footfalls at the show increased post noon, raising hopes of potential business for the day.