Seven talented Saudi jewelry-makers showcased their latest designs at an elaborate jewelry exhibition organized by the Reed Sunaidi Expo, proving their potential at breaking into the gold and jewelry industry globally.

The seven young Saudi designers, two of whom were men, were Salwa Jann, Abdul Aziz Al-Maliki, Ridaa Al-Ashrafi, Sarah Feteih, Bidaya Aishan, Abdulaziz Mahdi and Jamela Abdullah.

Competitors were judged by an international panel of experts.

Results were announced at the end of the exhibition on Friday.

Abdul Aziz Al-Maliki came first, winning SR10,000, while Ridaa Al-Ashrafi came second, winning SR5,000 and Sarah Feteih came third.

Al-Maliki won the award for creating a horse-shaped pendant with the name of King Abdulaziz across it. “This is the first time I have participated in such a contest,” he said.

Al-Ashrafi, meanwhile, designed a simple chain and Sarah Feteih designed a colored butterfly. All the contestants were beginners.

Jewelry designers and famous brands signed contracts with Saudi companies to open showrooms in the Saudi market.

Saudi experts and businessmen also requested the Saudi government to simplify customs procedures for international investors to make the market even more lucrative.

Tariq Fitaihi, a big-time investor in the Kingdom’s jewelry market and contest sponsor, said that there is a need investment in the gold industry, which is solid and lucrative even during volatile economic conditions.

Ahmed Al-Khoji, another gold market investor, said that facilitating customs for international investors will help in turning the Kingdom’s market into a global hub for gold and jewelry.

Lamia Ajaj, contest supervisor, said that the selection of the winners was based partially on visitors’ opinions and partially through decisions made by the exhibitors.

Haya Sunaidi, the main organizer of the exhibition and president of the Reed Sunaidi Expo, said that the contest was an excellent place for Saudi designers to prove themselves and showcase their abilities.