Princess Nourah Highlights Indian Role in Saudi Jewelry Growth

Jeddah, Sep 12 (PTI) Saudi Arabia's luxury jewelry sector is gearing towards major growth, and Indian expertise in gemstones and craftsmanship is seen as pivotal in helping the Kingdom achieve its ambitious goals, said Princess Nourah Al-Faisal on Friday. Princess Nourah, who founded Noon Jewels and boasts over 30 years in the jewelry industry, emphasized the crucial role Indian suppliers play for Saudi designers looking to make a mark on the global stage.

"Virtually all my suppliers, 100 per cent, are Indian," she said during the SAJEX exhibition in Jeddah. SAJEX 2025, a premier B2B jewelry event, showcases top jewellers, designers, and manufacturers from around the globe. Princess Nourah noted that Indian expertise is indispensable for anyone serious about jewelry, recognizing the country's leadership in this sector.

While Saudi Arabia has a growing talent pool, it "lacks the infrastructure for a completely independent jewelry industry," according to Al-Faisal. She highlighted the potential of Saudi Arabia's youthful and talented creative industry, claiming it is the future not just in the Kingdom but globally. Rejecting the notion that Saudi luxury demand is just emerging, she argued that the country has "long had a demand for luxury" and possesses "a very refined taste."

She further praised events like SAJEX, organized by the Indian Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), for providing a platform for Saudi consumers to access luxury goods without the need to travel to established markets such as Hong Kong. Such events also offer young designers invaluable access to industry partnerships.

On the technological front, Al-Faisal acknowledged the role of artificial intelligence and other innovations as invaluable tools for modern jewelry design, a practice embedded in the industry since the advent of computer-aided design.

While acknowledging existing regulatory challenges in imports and exports, she lauded Saudi Arabia's governmental efforts in supporting local industry through policy measures and events. Sustainability, a key component of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 reform plan, presents an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to learn from the mistakes of more mature markets.

“When you're late to the game, that's often a blessing,” she remarked. Noon Jewels, established a decade ago, continues to shine on the international stage, and Al-Faisal expressed keen interest in expanding her brand to the Indian market as well.

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