Parampara: When tradition blends with craftsmanship

Family-led entrepreneurships have ensured that gold jewellery continues to have its special aura

The myriad cycles of ups and downs notwithstanding, gold jewellery produced by established brands and family-led businesses, continue to hold allure in the modern day and age. With both designs and materials evolving by leaps and bounds, the original techniques used in the creation of gold jewellery have remained constant over the years, thanks to the remarkable craftsmanship of leading brands.

Pertinently, family-led entrepreneurship has stood the test of time because it prioritises age-old methods performed by hand, besides placing emphasis on a craftsman's skill. As a result, a number of designs have evolved from old techniques - such as milling and hammering. Sometimes human intuition and eye for detail comes in handy, as does the mastery that often forms a large part of this evolution. The end result is that traditional gold items are highly sought after.
The UAE has a number of family-led gold and jewellery brands with Asian/Indian origin. Stores like Malabar Gold and Diamonds (MGD), Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellery, Sky Jewellery, Pure Gold, Al Haseena et al have become household names in Dubai and other emirates. Their signature pieces that involve braiding gold strands to chains and necklaces are a result of experienced craftsmen who have trademarked the look and the feel of each individual piece.
"The appeal of traditional pieces (by reputed family-led gold brands) is mostly due to the use of ancient techniques in a modern context. I personally like jewellery that comes from respectable brands because of the intense patience, skill and creativity that goes into individual gold and diamond items," Lata Kotadia, a senior Indian executive in Dubai, told Khaleej Times.
While several Indian and Arab entrepreneurs have kept the passion of artistic craftsmanship alive, others are not behind. Jewellers like the Swiss major Mouawad specialise in bridal jewellery and offer a sparkling collection with choices to satisfy every couples' desire ranging from the traditional to contemporary. The company has its Middle East headquarters in Dubai and takes timeless, classic bridal designs to create unique jewellery pieces.
Using only the finest quality diamonds to maximise brilliance, the 18K white, yellow gold and platinum pieces by Mouawad are artistically worked to give value to the central gemstones. Each item pays tribute to the eternal beauty of love in its collection. Classic motifs of flowers, petals, hearts and teardrops are united in designs that range from delicate simplicity to magnificent grandeur.
A creative process, craftsmanship of jewellery items can be mind-bogglingly delicate. Experts say that this process is so intricate that producing a single jewellery brooch can take up to 250 man-hours or more. What is more, only those who have mastered the technique can achieve the perfection flawlessly. Whether it is original necklaces in gold and diamonds, coloured sapphires or ornaments in lapis lazuli, when tradition blends with craftsmanship, the results are often glittering.
sadiq@khaleejtimes.com