It's true what they say: "diamonds are a girl's best friend." This is something three women count on as they pursue their professions here in the Kingdom.
Sokaina Mackie Krimmley, a certified diamond grader, is launching her own boutique in Jeddah under the carefully chosen name of "Jade" which represents sensitivity and mystery.
Krimmley is a third-generation jeweler who has lived with her family in Africa, Belgium and the Middle East. After graduating in business administration, Krimmley pursued her career in diamond grading, receiving a diploma for diamond grading and identification from Hoge Raad Voor Diamond High
Council in Belgium.
It is a necessary profession, she explained, because some gemstones acquire the same property types as diamonds. Amazonite looks identical to a diamond, but has a different value.
"Its a tough market," admits Krimmley, especially in the Kingdom where many jewelry shops compete for the new and trendy. "I focus on what is unique and out of the ordinary," she said.
Krimmley's jewelry designs include bracelets, rings, earrings, gifts for weddings, as well as "Baby Jade" - Krimmley's latest custom line for babies. It includes earrings, bracelets and pendants with alphabets or other objects made out of turquoise. There is also a small line for men - such as cufflinks made of rubies and key chains. "I have also carefully chosen a selection of Italian designers like Pianegonda, Crivelli, and Staurino Fratelli."
Krimmley is aiming to promote a new collection of jewelry for men and women, using old silver and crone plated coins - as old as 800 to 1800 - set on modern white gold. Her latest line will be launched by next January.
Abeer Baghdadi is a young Saudi jewelry designer and has been working in the field for seven years. Because she does not own a boutique, Baghdadi sends her designs to jewelry stores. "Sometimes clients bring me jewels and want me to create a necklace, ring or bracelet from them, so I do that too," Baghdadi said.
Saudi female clients have different tastes explained Baghdadi. Those who have studied abroad lean toward simple designs, but generally I believe the more work there is on a piece of jewelry, the better."
Baghdadi's line of jewelry is more oriental, and she focuses more on gold than on diamonds. Yet jewelry trends in the Kingdom, explained Baghdadi, are being set by foreign men working in big companies. Since many designers blend their cultural customs into jewelry making, Saudis may not appreciate certain designs because they are not familiar with their traditions. "Most of our magazines discuss the latest trends abroad," said Baghdadi, adding that more stories should focus on female designers in the Kingdom so as to build a foundation where competition will come about.
Mirvat Maltani is a Saudi jewelry designer, who owns a boutique store called "Bareeq" in Al Khobar where she lives. "Jewelry design has been my hobby since I was young," said Maltani. "I didn't study jewelry making, but I was always interested in precious stones."
Over the years, Maltani has learned how to identify precious stones and distinguish which ones suit the Arab taste. In the past, explained Maltani, Arab women were more interested in traditional and classical designs whereas now they are looking for what is new and trendy.
"I have been working in the field of jewelry design for seven years now," said Maltani. "I travel a lot and a buy unique stones. I also attend exhibitions to show my work or to learn from other designers."
Maltani's designs vary between the old and the new, but most of the time, she explained, the type of stone dictates the shape of the design.
"I am hoping to show my work abroad at exhibitions," said Maltani.
