Everything you need to know about Ramadan & Eid jewellery

We delve into the glittering world of accessories

Ramadan brings with it plenty of occasions to spend more time with near and dear ones. And, with everyone wanting to look their best during the Holy Month, jewellery is a sure-shot way to elevate a look, while still being respectful of local sensibilities. Luckily, there are a number of local and Middle Eastern designers and brands catering to this demand with the launch of special Eid and Ramadan collections. Whether it's delicate chains with Arabic motifs or statement necklaces with embellishments, there's something for everyone. Take a look.

MEET THE DESIGNERS: (from left to right) Rajesh Popley of Al Anwaar Jewellery, Elsa Osta of Elsa O, Lana Al Kamal of Lana Al Kamal and Vik and Natasha Jethwani of Vik Jethwani

Aim for brilliance

Al Anwaar is a jewellery brand with humble roots and pretty big goals. It all began when Rajesh Popley and his father Ramchand Popley opened an 800sq foot shop in Dubai's Gold Souk, the success of which led them to start their own retail store in 1988. Over the years, the brand evolved and, today, they deal exclusively in fine diamond jewellery, in a variety of cuts and hues.

"Though purchasing trends have definitely changed over the recent years, one thing that remains is that fine jewellery is a mark of a special time," explains owner and CEO Rajesh Popley. "A special piece of jewellery is also a lovely gift."

With Eid around the corner, there is no doubt that there are plenty of people on the lookout for that special gift, and Rajesh notes that there is a spike in sales towards the end of Ramadan ("to mark the beginning of Eid - it is a celebration after all"). However, irrespective of the occasion, today, what people look for, apart from quality, are trendy designs with an international appeal, he says.

"Social media has shrunk the world. The newer generation is more inclined towards designs that are showcased online. For millennials, jewellery is considered more of an accessory than an investment." It's for this reason that the brand recently launched its 'Inspired Brilliance' campaign featuring three influencers with diamond-studded accessories.

At the end of the day, buying jewellery for Eid or Ramadan is a deeply personal decision and can vary according to style, preference, budget, and the occasions one has during the season. Most importantly, says Rajesh, it's about how the accessories make someone feel. "A piece can make a person feel special, like they stands out from the crowd. And that confidence shows in everything they do."

Reach for the stars. and the moon

There are a lot of reasons to love Elsa Osta's quirky designs. The second collection of her jewellery brand, Elsa O, boldly features shapes such as moons, stars and other Arabic motifs - absolutely perfect for the season, and inspired by a pretty unusual source.

"The entire collection was actually inspired by a book I once found in a second-hand shop," she says. "It presented powerful women in the 20s to 60s in Cairo and Beirut with illustrations and graphics, and was all about expressing positivity and love during this time. So, when I started designing, it wasn't specifically for Ramadan but once we saw the entire collection, we wanted to highlight it for the Holy Month. It's just great for iftars and suhoors, and encourages people to play around with accessories a little more."

Other than highlighting Middle Eastern culture through her designs, one of her main goals is to encourage women to experiment more - not just with earrings and chains but with bracelets, brooches, and more.

"I'm a big fan of thinking outside the box when it comes to accessory styling - whether during Ramadan or not," she adds. "From what I've seen as a designer, I believe people are looking for pieces that no one else is going to be seen in. And in the GCC, women want to support local designers more and more - and that's just super."

Statement pieces for the summer

Husband wife designer duo Vik and Natasha Jethwani of Vik Jethwani are quick to point out that Ramadan has been an important inspiration for their latest collection. Having grown up in Dubai, both have a keen understanding of the sensibilities of the region, as well as an international outlook. After all, Vik received a certification from the Gemological Institute of America before coming back to Dubai, seven years later, to take the reins at his mother's pearl and jewellery house. Meanwhile, Natasha worked in fashion and interior design before getting into the glittering field of jewellery. Together, their designs are meant for an international audience.

"Our latest collection is geared towards spring, summer and travel. While the style is primarily contemporary, there is a slight vintage feel. The pieces are easy to take on a holiday," says Vik. This includes fun, light and easy-to-wear pieces like chokers that can be layered, colourful earrings.

However, their inspiration for the Holy Month can be seen in more statement designs such as uncut diamond pieces. "Eid is a time of giving and our clients are always looking for statement pieces for themselves, as well as to gift to their friends and family," explains Vik. "Moreover, jewellery and clothing go hand in hand, and Eid is a time everyone will be decking up. No outfit can be complete without a special, unique piece!"

Inspired by nature

Dubai-based designer Lana Al Kamal recently released her debut collection and it is indeed a work of art. Coming from a background in architecture and interior design, one can clearly see the impact it has had in the geometry of her collection. Inspired by elements of nature, the collection, Leaves of Joy, includes elements such as raindrops, leaves, flowers, ladybugs and branches, with gold and Zirconia stones in shades of blue, aquamarine and white - apparently symbolising the changing colours of water! It's a great level of thought in a pretty gorgeous collection, and she's confident it will attract attention this season.

"The fact is that jewellery has always been an important part of our culture over the years," says the Syrian designer who was raised in Saudi Arabia. "The industry is booming and Ramadan is the perfect time to update your jewellery box. Ramadan and Eid are days of events, gifting and family gathering. What's more, all the preparation for occasions such as vacations and wedding parties start during this time."

Lana believes that, just as Ramadan warrants a different style of dressing, one should also adapt their jewellery style to suit the occasion. Crescent moon designs, accessories with gemstones and Islamic patterns will always be popular during the Holy Month. It's also important for look for patterns and shapes that go well with elegant

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