The GCC is positioning itself as a serious player in the global jewellery landscape. We bring regional names that have been in the market for a while, as well as those starting their journey into this vibrant world.
The Middle East is well-known for its love for jewellery and watches. People in this region not only appreciate these special accessories but also wear them daily. This passion has been transformed and the region is emerging as one of the most dynamic centres of contemporary jewellery design. Long associated with heritage craftsmanship and high-value gold markets, the region is now witnessing a new generation of designers who are redefining jewellery through storytelling, sustainability and modern aesthetics.
Historically, jewellery in the Gulf has been deeply tied to cultural identity – symbolising wealth, heritage and social status. What distinguishes today’s emerging brands is their ability to reinterpret these traditions in a contemporary language. Designers are increasingly drawing on Arabic calligraphy, regional architecture and personal narratives while embracing minimalist and global design sensibilities.
At the same time, infrastructure supporting emerging talent – such as showcases like Jewellery Arabia and the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, and initiatives like the Van Cleef & Arpels Emergent Designer Prize (an annual competition launched in 2013 in partnership with Tashkeel to support emerging designers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait) – has helped nurture a new creative ecosystem across the GCC.
It’s interesting to notice that many of the region’s most exciting jewellery startups are founded by women, contributing to a more diverse and narrative-driven industry. Another factor that has facilitated businesses’ success is the digital-first growth approach, where Instagram and e-commerce platforms have enabled independent designers to scale quickly across regional markets without relying on traditional retail infrastructure.
The GCC’s affluent, fashion-conscious consumers’ appetite for luxury and pride in their roots make it an ideal testing ground for regional brands to thrive. Moreover, the region’s growing investment in creative industries is helping position cities such as Dubai and Riyadh as global design hubs. These are some brands to keep an eye on:
AMAAR JEWELS
Dubai-based Amaar Jewels combines high-end, statement-making designs with sustainability. Each piece is crafted in 18-carat gold, with certified lab-grown diamonds that rival the brilliance and craftsmanship of traditional high jewellery, reflecting a new era of sustainable elegance. With lifetime warranties and a commitment to buy-back, Amaar Jewels invites the Middle East to embrace jewellery that is as timeless as it is responsible.
@amaar_jewels
BIL ARABI
Founded by Nadine Kanso, UAE-based Bil Arabi has become a defining voice in modern Middle Eastern jewellery. The brand is known for transforming Arabic script into wearable art – clean, contemporary and emotionally resonant. Its success has helped push regional design into global luxury conversations.
@bilarabi
CHARMALEENA
Deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, Charmaleena emerged in 2012 through the vision and passion of two sisters, Leena and Hala. The soul of Arabia inspires this fine jewellery brand which specialises in 18-carat gold, diamonds and precious stones. The goal is to create connections and narratives, empowering women with jewellery that is both a personal statement and a nod to Arabian artistry and progress.
@charmaleena
HIBA JABER
Based in Dubai, Hiba Jaber focusses on deeply personal jewellery, often incorporating initials, stories and custom elements. The brand’s collaborative approach between designer and customers reflects a shift toward individuality in luxury consumption. The creations are crafted from 18-carat gold and set with precious stones and, once the design is finalised, they are brought to life by highly skilled artisans in the Emirate.
@hibajaber_official
HOUSE JANOLO
House Janolo is a newly launched fine jewellery house founded by sisters Oloof and Dujanah Jarrar, born and raised in the UAE. Shaped by lives lived between Abu Dhabi and New York, the brand introduces a thoughtful and distinctive voice to the regional jewellery landscape. Working exclusively in 18-carat gold and natural gemstones, every design is handmade using a blend of traditional artisanal techniques and contemporary craftsmanship.
@housejanolo
NOORA SHAWQI
Drawing inspiration from the designer’s love of travel, Noora Shawqi showcases fine jewellery collections that blend cultural references with quality, creating statement pieces with a timeless aesthetic. Noora Shawqi’s designs are crafted from fine materials such as gold, diamonds and vibrant stones. The brand’s eponymous collection is made primarily in Dubai, with close collaboration with highly skilled artisans.
@noorashawqi
TRYYST
A UAE-based avant-garde label, TRYYST explores jewellery as a form of self-expression rather than mere adornment. Pooja Shah is the visionary behind the brand, with a mission to create wearable pieces that blend innovation and tradition. Sculptural forms and refined diamond work define its aesthetic, appealing to a new generation seeking artistic and conceptual pieces.
@tryyst_fine_jewelry
YUNIU JEWELS
Founded in early 2020 in Dubai, Yuniu Jewels was created to share jewellery designs shaped by deep-rooted inspirations held within the founder’s family for generations. From the outset, the brand set out to craft pieces that reflect individual personality while preserving a distinctive house signature that intends to make the wearer and their loved ones shine.
@yuniujewels