The gold rush continues despite high prices as shoppers look at customised jewellery that is branded and tailored to individual tastes.

Jewellers have also caught on with the changing trends as they constantly innovate and excite their customers with superior designs and combinations of gold with natural stones. 
This new approach is in line with the latest trends in jewellery in the region, incorporating a combination of silver and gold with precious stones, aesthetically set by specialised contemporary artisans. The favourite stone continues to be diamond and this combined with gold or silver is irresistible to most shoppers. Gold combined with beautifully cultured pearls is popular all around the year.
Moaz Barakat, managing director of the World Gold Council in the Middle East, Turkey and Pakistan, said: “The popularity of gold jewellery, especially contemporary designs, continues to soar. The twinkle and glimmer of the yellow metal combined with the intense colours of various stones and pearls is always a big draw. We expect gold jewellery sales to increase during the Dubai Shopping Festival when mega deals are announced. Gold is also immensely popular with the Asian community which considers it a safe investment and an alternative to real estate.”
The jewellery trends this season include glittering Swarovski crystals and Chinese freshwater pearls in every size and colour. There are designs and pieces for every budget, personality and style. For a timeless glow of elegance and style, a pearl-studded gold set is a good buy, market circles say.
The fashion for wearing multi-layered necklaces wrapped and intertwined continues.  Pick several necklaces and intermix them with a large pendant. In addition to pearls and gemstones, charm bracelets are back. These have created their own niche among the young and old. They can be worn with an eye-catching variety of pearls, gems and beads amidst the familiar charms.
Earrings appear in every possible style this season – from short single drops to long stilettos to clusters and chandeliers. Brooches are also back and more popular than ever. They adorn sweaters, jackets, dresses and scarves.
With their universal appeal, rings no longer need a reason to be worn. Any kind of ring is fashionable – from vintage to the ones with large stones and unusual shapes and colours… they are flaunted with gems, beads, pearls or diamonds. Stones in exotic colours are considered perfect for massive dress rings.
As colours are rich this season, they allow for individual interpretation depending on individual fashion sense as is evident with most jewelled accessories. It is the season to have fun with jewellery, picking, choosing and flaunting that which suits the personality.
Stones, which are in this season, include amber, garnet (with a wide range of reds to give a rich winter feel), amethyst, jasper, agate, onyx, and pearls. Sapphires, as always, remain popular and come in many colours. Paired with gold they enhance the beauty and femininity of the wearer.
The allure of gold remains because gold jewellery studded with pearls and stones of different colours offers greater flexibility of choice. The possibilities are vast and jewellery can be chosen to suit any occasion be it New Year’s eve festivities or Valentine’s Day.
Intricate floral jewellery is attracting women of all ages. Inspired by floral organic forms, designers have tried to create stunning designs and given each piece a subtle depth and desirability. The stress is also more on creating wearable jewellery that has traditional excellence with a contemporary flair.
According to the WGC, Middle Eastern markets have seen a revival in the demand for gold jewellery. Dubai’s consumption in 2005 increased by 10 per cent from 95.8 tonnes in 2004 to 106 tonnes in 2005, despite the 8 per cent price hike in gold every year. Dubai’s gold imports in 2005 were 522 tonnes and in the first nine months of 2006, 361 tonnes.
Meanwhile, contribution of high-end jewellery to the regional luxury goods sector is expected to hit the $4-billion mark by 2010.