The second edition of Riyadh International Luxury Week will kick off today in the Saudi capital, with an exciting lineup of watch and jewelry brands showcasing their creations, as well as a host of interactive experiences for guests. The event will run from May 24-27.
As part of its wide-ranging program, and for the first time ever in Saudi Arabia, two specialized seminars supported by Sotheby’s and the National Committee for Precious Metals and Gemstones will be held. Open to the public, the talks will be run by international and regional experts who will touch on trends, creativity, and innovation within the watch and jewelry industry, presenting real-life cases of excellence and discussing industry directions and real-life case studies.
The first seminar, titled “Jewelry Industry” will take place on Day 2 of Riyadh International Luxury Week on May 25, and will see Nezar Jamil Mukhtar, member of Saudi Arabia’s National Committee for Precious Metals and Gemstones and member of Gold and Jewelry Committee of Riyadh Chamber; Sophie Stevens, jewelry specialist at Sotheby’s; Nadine Attar, founder and designer of Nadine Jewellery; and Seema Haji, designer, blogger, and journalist, take to the stage. Topics will include an introduction to gemstones, traditional hand-drawing vs 3D jewelry design, e-commerce and conventional trading, how to start up a jewelry workshop, and introducing collections to international auction houses among others.
On May 26, Frederic Watrelot, watch specialist at Sotheby’s, and Khalid Al-Seif, watch collector and blogger, will host a talk on “Watchmaking and Collecting,” with Evelyne Genta, wife of the late Swiss watch designer Gerald Genta, participating virtually, live from London. They will guide guests on how to start a collection, buying and selling at auctions, the pre-owned market, complications, global watch exhibitions, watch influencers, the rise of digital media, and more.
The seminars will kick off on May 25 with a keynote speech by Krayem Al-Enazi, president of the National Committee for Precious Metals and Gemstones. Both sessions will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Al-Faisaliah Hotel.
