JEDDAH: The fourth edition of the annual jewelry design competition at the “Nation of Gold” exhibition in Jeddah has concluded, unveiling its winners in both professional and amateur categories. The competition, themed “Poems from My Country,” saw over 100 participants showcasing their creativity.
Against the backdrop of the “Year of Arab Poetry 2023,” designers were tasked with drawing inspiration from poetic verses and literature, resulting in a diverse array of jewelry designs. Models elegantly paraded down the runway, adorned with the exquisite creations crafted by the competition entrants.
Initiated by Raja Moumina, the director of the Future Institute of Higher Education and Training, these awards aim to foster excellence and innovation among emerging talents in jewelry design, encompassing both Saudis and non-Saudis. Moumina expressed the significance of the awards, stating, “For those looking to break into the industry, the awards present an opportunity (for participants) to showcase their work in front of a panel of experienced jewelry specialists.”
The competition not only serves as a platform for recognition but also provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage with leading jewelry designers through interactive mentoring and communication, facilitating the transformation of their creative pursuits into potential careers.
In the professional category, Dr. Haneen Ahmed Khoja, a prominent Jeddah-based Saudi jewelry designer, claimed the top honors. Reflecting on her victory, she shared, “I was extremely proud to participate in the competition, and this was the first time my work had been inspired by an Arabic poem, which I thought was an excellent idea.”
Sara Abu Radi emerged triumphant in the amateur category for 2022. Radi, who initially began as an artist, expressed her journey, saying, “I started as an artist, but my passion for designing led me to create my own work, and here I am now working and doing what I like to do.”
The “Nation of Gold” jewelry design competition continues to be a catalyst for creativity and artistic expression, contributing to the thriving landscape of jewelry design in Jeddah and beyond.
