Sharjah: The Emirati Goldsmiths Platform announced the launch of the first locally sourced Emirati gemstone during its participation in the 57th edition of the Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show (WJMES), hosted at Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).
According to Emirates News Agency, the gemstone, named "Spirit of the Emirates," is sourced from natural red jasper extracted from the Al Siji region of Fujairah in cooperation with the Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation. This marks a significant milestone for the UAE's national jewellery industry.
The platform delivered a strong showing at this year's edition with the participation of 20 designers from across the UAE, including seven first-time female participants. This demonstrates its role in expanding opportunities for local talent and supporting the next generation of jewellery entrepreneurs.
The platform also featured a notable contribution from people of determination through the 'Al Shoufa' design, which attracted considerable attention from exhibition visitors. The initiative is fostering deeper industry integration, with several members progressing into commercial supply activities. Notably, one participant has become the first Emirati gemstone supplier, sourcing authentic stones from international mines and museums to support local jewellery designers, thereby strengthening the domestic jewellery value chain.
During the exhibition, Emirati designers presented under the Emirati Goldsmiths Platform a broad portfolio of collections that combine traditional influences with contemporary design concepts. This highlights the growing sophistication of the UAE's jewellery industry. The showcased creations included luxurious gold jewellery adorned with diamonds and precious gemstones, alongside pieces inspired by Emirati cultural heritage and environmental motifs.
Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that SCCI's support for the Emirati Goldsmiths Platform helps local designers achieve new successes and introduce innovative concepts to the jewellery industry. He noted that the launch of the first Emirati gemstone represents a significant milestone and a strategic development that strengthens the domestic jewellery value chain.
Mona Al Suwaidi, Director of the Executive Office of SCCI's Chairman and in charge of the Emirati Goldsmiths Platform, said that the launch of "Spirit of the Emirates" gemstone was the result of fruitful cooperation with the Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation. This enabled Emirati designers to access and utilise locally sourced geological resources. She explained that the platform's vision has evolved beyond supporting design and direct sales activities into a broader entrepreneurship-driven ecosystem that encompasses supply-chain leadership.
Emirati designer Fatima Al Muhairi, recognised as the first internationally accredited young Emirati specialist in gemology, introduced two signature creations crafted from Emirati jasper to mark the launch of the new gemstone. The first design, named 'Spirit of the Emirates', serves as a narrative piece tracing the gemstone's journey from local geological resources to a finished luxury jewellery product.
The second signature piece, titled 'Erth', was presented as a unique brooch crafted in the shape of a camel's head. It integrates a pearl from Al Suwaidi Pearls Farm in Ras Al Khaimah with jasper extracted from the Al Siji region of Fujairah. This design serves as a symbolic representation of the UAE's evolving jewellery value chain.
The Emirati jasper gemstone possesses qualities that support its commercial potential within the luxury jewellery market. Its natural red hue, combined with a hardness level of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale and a waxy-to-glassy lustre, provides the durability and aesthetic qualities required for premium jewellery applications.
'Durri Jewellery', a registered Emirati jewellery brand participating in the platform, showcased a portfolio of contemporary collections centred on natural pearls and UAE-cultured marine pearls. The brand presents exclusive collections inspired by Emirati heritage, combining elegance with local cultural identity.