A Day at The Dubai Mall

What happens when a jewellery lover like me spends a day at the most famous mall in the Middle East- The Dubai Mall?

On my recent trip to Dubai I had planned to visit The Dubai Mall with one set agenda- see as much jewellery as possible. So with a few scheduled visits and a few new names in my diary, I headed straight to the Watch & Jewellery section of the mall. A paradise for jewellery lovers like me, this one corridor houses some of the biggest brands of the global fine jewellery industry from Graff, Harry Winston, Bvlgari, Chopard, De Beers, Van Cleef & Arpels… the list is endless.

Watch and Jewellery section at The Dubai Mall

My first stop was Harry Winston, where Firas, their super courteous brand expert, showed me around their latest jewels and watches. On display were their latest bridal offerings- rings and necklace sets. Their breathtaking engagement rings, with diamond and coloured gemstone center pieces as large as blueberries and strawberries are sure to blow your mind away! Their latest Sparkling Cluster collection has been approached in a minimalist way with random spread of round and pear shaped diamonds. Amongst all the Harry Winston watches that were on display, their multi purpose Rosebud Heart watch caught my attention, which with the help an innovative mechanism can be easily detached from the strap and worn as a pendant-watch.

Harry Winston engagement rings with bands

Classic Winston Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

HW Logo Micropave Diamond Engagement Ring

HW Sparkling cluster Nechkace and earrings

On the to my next appointment at De Beers, I spotted some candylicious coloured gemstones in the Bvlgari windows filling my morning with multi-coloured hues.

At De Beers, I had the pleasure of meeting their Brand Manager Ibrahim who took me around their jewellery, collection by collection, as we indulged in deep discussions about diamond quality, clarity and various aspects what makes De Beers stands apart. Being a brand from the biggest mining company of the world, even their rough diamond collection ‘Talisman’ shines as bright as brilliant cuts. While discussing the Talisman collection, Ibrahim also told me about their rough diamond crown that was made in in honour of the Britain Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. The Talisman crown comprises 974 diamonds with 797 polished and 177 rough and required over 100 hours to complete. At the very top of the headpiece sits a 73-carat rough diamond contained within a cross pattée that allows natural light to shine through.

I was eagerly waiting to reach Van Cleef & Arpels boutique to see their Eid special display designed by artist Sheikha Wafa Bint Hasher Al Maktoum inspired from the Lotus flower and echoing of her unique poetic style. On display were their latest Bouton D’or collection, in unique green – black (Chrysoprase and Onyx) and red – cream (Carnelian and Mother of Pearl) combinations. Reinterpreted versions of their classic Alhambara collection, styled with striped Malachite and black Onyx, also offered fresh look to this playful collection. I completed my visit with a closer look of their Zip necklace and a stunning Coral and Amethyst studded yellow gold heritage necklace.

At Chopard, I was welcomed with a lot of happy jewels around. Happy diamonds, colourful watches and the latest high jewellery pieces from their Baselworld 2016 collection, all were on display. After playing with Happy Diamonds watches and pendants, it was time to experience their latest Imperiale Joaillerie Rainbow watch. Studded with 581 multi coloured sapphires in all shades of a rainbow, the play of light on the watch was extraordinary.

Chopard Happy Diamonds pendant but with rainbow colours

Moving on to The Souk area, next on my radar was a name I had recently come across in my research- ‘House of Amber‘. Unfolding history, the brand brings back Amber memories from 30-50 million years in shades from pale yellow to golden honey to greens and even black. Reliving all mystical beliefs that Amber comes with, the brand houses many jewellery pieces and carved Amber miniatures. I even got to hold a rare piece million years old Amber with a trapped insect inside.

Last but not least was a brief visit to Toujours Jewellery, the shop by one of Dubai’s most talented jewellery designer- Kholoud Kurdi. The details on her Oud wood bird jewellery pieces continues to leave me mesmerized, but, this time I also got to try a diamond studded Batula (a metal face covering worn by women in Gulf region). Although, not a great fan of the tradition but the craftsmanship on the piece was exquisite. Also the colourful crown rings were unique and one felt like owning a few in each colour.