Qatari designers pavilion at the jewelry exhibition (Al Jazeera)

Doha -

Many Qatari young men and women made their way into the world of finance and business out of passion and love. Among them were Qatari talents who broke into the field of gold and jewelry design.

Qatari designers believe that they have achieved successes that have enabled them to support Qatar's strategy, which aims to localize the gold industry and transform Doha into a regional and global center for the manufacture and trade of gold and jewelry.

Qatari female designers told Al Jazeera Net their stories and experiences in the field of goldsmithing, and said that they entered the world of jewelry out of love and passion, but they have now crossed the threshold of hobby into the world of work and professionalism, and have demonstrated outstanding successes that support the state’s efforts and its ongoing strategy now, which is based on the National Vision 2030 to localize the gold and jewelry sector. As an important sector in the development and development of the economy.

Qatari designers display designs that comply with international standards (Al Jazeera)

First minute supporters

Sheikha Al-Ghanem, owner of Al-Ghala Jewellery, says that it was only coincidence that led her to enter the world of jewelry in 2011, and then she became the owner of a distinctive imprint in the field of her design, which was confirmed by officials who recognized her achievement as the first Qatari woman to express the Qatari heritage and culture in a distinctive and expressive collection between... Pearls and gold.

Al-Ghanem adds, "I did not have in mind to continue on this path full of difficulties and challenges. My story began by chance when a friend owned me a collection of gold and jewelry to display for sale, so I participated with it in one of the exhibitions, and what a surprise it was when it won the admiration of many people."

She continued in her interview with Al Jazeera Net, "They encouraged me to continue on this path, especially from a group of female friends and sisters older than me who participated in the same exhibition. I found support from them that motivated me to move forward with the experience, and they were not satisfied with that, but they registered my name in another exhibition, so that was the first "My steps."

Regarding the beginnings, the Qatari designer says, “I used to design stones and diamonds, and I was able to create my own designs. Then the second shift was in 2013 after I participated in the Forsati exhibition for the Ministry of Social Affairs (Qatar), in which I presented a wonderful and different variety of designs, stemming from the heart of the environment and embodying the heritage.” And the Qatari culture, in which I mixed gold and pearls, gained admiration beyond my imagination from customers, visitors to the exhibition, and officials, which strengthened my resolve to continue in the world of gold and jewelry.”

She continues, "Perhaps my love for gold and handicrafts since childhood was the underlying asset and the main motivation to continue and develop my journey."

Some of the displayed pieces go to the Qatari Charitable Education Above All Foundation (Al Jazeera)

Challenges and difficulties

Designer Al-Ghanim explained that the parents’ reservations and their refusal to accept the idea of ​​a girl entering the business world was the first challenge she faced, but she added, “With the passage of time, I found complete understanding and support from the family, especially from my father, who stands by my side until now. The biggest challenge was the high costs of the project and rents.” And workers’ salaries, especially since the summer months are when there is less movement, so we are forced to spend from our savings.”

Regarding rents, she referred to an idea - previously proposed - calling for exempting Qatari talent from store rents during the summer period, stressing the need to implement it similar to what was done in other areas of Doha.

She also talked about "the high or unavailability of materials and work tools, and the lack of workshops and professional hands, with whom we travel to countries such as India and China to contract."

Al-Ghanim stressed the great success achieved by Qatari designers, attesting to this with their pavilion, which has become a major component of the Doha Jewelery and Watches Exhibition, and their presence side by side with the major leading brands in Qatar and the world. She said that they “now represent the basis for the project to localize the gold and jewelry industry in Qatar.”

She called for more support for Qatari designers, such as establishing a permanent store for a nominal rent or a share, and also called for enabling them to participate in foreign exhibitions to gain more experience, as well as holding periodic workshops and courses in Qatar or abroad to enhance their skills.

She appealed to the owners of malls and major stores to allocate small display spaces for designers.

She also called on novice designers to be patient in the face of difficulties, and to “devote sincere love for their work, because the ultimate failure lies in the eagerness to make a quick profit,” stressing the importance of planning any project and benefiting from the expertise and experiences of previous ones.

Qatar seeks to transform Doha into a regional and global center for the manufacture and trade of gold and jewelry (Al Jazeera)

Towards universality

For her part, the owner of “De Trouve” jewelry, designer Fatima Al-Muhannadi, says that she entered the world of jewelry and not any other field in the year 2017 “out of passion and love for designing jewelry,” and launched her first collection in 2018.

She told Al Jazeera Net, "De Troufe, as a brand, specializes in gold and diamond jewelry for women and children, such as alphabet necklaces, based on unique designs that suit the tastes of adults and children, with pieces of high-quality gold, studded with diamonds and precious stones."

Al-Muhannadi used designs inspired by the elements of nature, in a way that inspires confidence and confirms excellence. She explained that she faced great challenges, but was able to overcome them “thanks to God, with the strength of will and the support of her family,” as she says.

She spoke about a number of challenges, including “the lack of availability of the necessary requirements for raw materials in the Qatari market to implement designs in a professional and modern manner, and in a manner consistent with international specifications, especially since the Qatari market was dependent on some other markets in the field of the gold and jewelry industry.”

In this regard, Al-Muhannadi praised the role played by the Qatari government in supporting entrepreneurs and Qatari talents, and said, “The work of the Qatari designer contributes to the development of the Qatari economy and trade, and to the localization and development of the gold and jewelry industry in the country.”

She urged young people to develop their love and passion, work hard, not give in to obstacles, and move forward in achieving their dreams and ambitions in a way that serves the interests of Qatar.

Speaking about her participation in the Doha Jewelery Exhibition, Al-Muhannadi hoped that the organizing bodies would work to intensify the exhibitions, due to their role in improving the world of gold and jewelry in Qatar and promoting its growth.

She also stressed the importance of participating in foreign exhibitions, meeting prominent international brands, gaining experience, opening up to global markets, representing Qatar, enhancing investment opportunities, and developing the Qatari product to reach the international level.

Source: Al Jazeera