At 600.0 sq. m., the new, soon-to-be-opened, swank Chopard showroom in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital’s upscale Khalidiya Business District, will have the welcome distinction of being the brand’s biggest outlet in the world. Chopard’s newest boutique will shortly be inaugurated in partnership with Abu Dhabi distributor Al Manara Jewellery. Senior officials from both organizations are expected to witness this landmark event.

Meanwhile, the House of Chopard, signed up as the Luxury Goods Sponsor of the ongoing prestigious 5th Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Festival held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi at the impressive Emirates Palace Hotel from 22 March to 2 April 2008. One of the special highlights at the Festival was the riveting performance by Chopard’s new Brand Ambassadress, the talented and charismatic Russian Soprano Anna Netrebko at the venue. She enthralled the very elite, distinguished, by-invitation only, audience with her operatic recital skills.

Investor interest in gold has remained strong and buyers are willing to pay more for the precious metal as prices stabilize, according to a senior official of the World Gold Council (WGC). “Despite the shortfalls in tonnage in the recent months, the annual figures reflect a positive outlook,” said Moaz Barakat, WGC’s Managing Director, for the Middle East, Turkey & Pakistan, speaking at a Press Conference to announce the holding of the 6th Dubai, City of Gold Conference, on 12 & 13 April 2008.

Tawfique Abdullah, Chairman of the Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group (DGJG), said that the upcoming gold conference would discuss ways to boost growth in the USD $ 146.0 billion global jewellery industry, roughly 10.0 % of which or USD $ 14.5 billion was in the GCC countries.

De Beers Diamond Jewellers recently unveiled its unique open concept store at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) with a mix of openness and intimacy intended for the Middle East customer. “De Beers is a perfect fit at DIFC as the brand offers luxury, elegance and finesse that every business and finance leader seeks,” said Guy Leymarie, CEO, De Beers addressing those assembled at the inaugural ceremony.

The new showroom is De Beers third in the UAE and will house the latest collections and showcase the First De Beers Watch Collection including other signature collections such as Talisman, Radiance, Wildflower and Grasslands.

To commemorate and celebrate its long-standing association with Indian Royalty, the House of Cartier has introduced its newest ‘Inde Mysterieuse’ (Mysterious India) Collection ahead of SIHH 2008. A specially-invited posse of journalists (including MPParabia) joined a bevy of top-flight VIPs, celebrities, socialites and other invited guests for a recent sneak peek of this new India-oriented collection at the Al Falak Ballroom at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. 

The new collection, which will also be showcased at SIHH 2008, comprises rings, bracelets, earrings & necklaces with a professed India-centred theme. The event was hosted by the visiting President & CEO of Cartier International Monsieur Bernard Fornas and Monsieur Patrick Normand, Managing Director, Cartier Middle East.

[The full transcript of an exclusive interview with Mons. Fornas will be published in the next edition of Arabian Watches & Jewellery (AWJ) Magazine]

Paris-based French watch brand Barthelay founded by Alexis Barthelay in the 1930s has launched two new elegant collections—Lulu & Pave de Paris in the Middle East. The Lulu collection featured an oval shaped case extending to follow the wrist contour. These are skillfully produced with a combination of steel, white, yellow or pink gold, diamonds, mother-of-pearl and silk satin.

The Pave de Paris is another exceptional collection features timepieces fitted with Swiss quartz movement and mother-of-pearl dials paved with diamonds. They are further enhanced with pearl faces featuring Arabic & Roman figures perfected with leather straps.