Jewellery trends in the UAE and across the Middle East are in a constant flux. Western fashion influences play a certain role, but women and jewellery buyers in the region also have their own unique preferences and tastes with jewellery having an established history in the region, given the early pearl trade established in the UAE.

The region's demographic skews towards the youth with the region representing some of the populations with the largest number of under 30s in the world. These younger mobile buyers are unbridled by the financial responsibilities that naturally come with age, so enjoy experimenting with their personal style and self-expression through jewellery and fashion.

The Generational Paradigm Shift

As younger generations enter the consumer market, we are witnessing a divergence of jewellery buying trends. More traditional buyers still seek out classic pieces which make a statement while the newcomers are leaning heavily towards delicate, personalised jewellery that represents emotional connections.

Friendship bracelets, personalised engravings and sentimental symbolism are all elements of jewellery that are gaining in popularity. Across the board, there is also greater interest in pieces that speak to a sustainable mindset. A trend towards creating pieces that last a lifetime, rather than being used as disposable fashion accessories.

Recycled gold and lab diamonds are emerging as popular alternatives to less sustainable jewellery. In the past year alone, there has been a huge surge of interest in unique, sentimental pieces that speak to a nascent consumer group seeking value beyond just traditional precious metal and gemstones.

West Meets East

GCC states are some of the biggest spenders on fashion globally, and jewellery consumers as well as designers often seek inspiration from the international runways. In particular, the current runway trends of delicate and close-to-the skin jewellery is sparking a massive increase in interest for earrings, necklaces and rings featuring smaller stones and thinner metals.

That being said, it's not just a simple case of offering a western aesthetic —brands need to understand what modern Middle Eastern buyers want if they are going to be successful in this part of the world. The connection to local heritage is still a very real factor in jewellery buying trends across the region.

Big fashion houses such as Cartier and Chanel have long since set up shop in the Middle East, but despite their huge draw for luxury jewellery buyers, smaller independent jewellery designers are still making a big impact. That connection to local heritage and an understanding of what modern Arabian customers want has given them a strong foothold within the market. This in addition to providing personalisation speaks to the younger buyer — a buyer who desires pieces that reflect their individuality, personal connections, and passions.

The convergence of old and new, East and West, has created a fascinating melting pot in the Middle East jewellery market, and it will be interesting to observe how the market develops in the coming years with the region home to some of the most exclusive and adored jewellery in the world.