Refined art

The UAE's jewellery-making tradition traces its origins to the rich Islamic artistic styles

The Arabian Gulf region was the scene of a great civilisation that flourished for many centuries. The area got its importance from its geographical location as a linking point between the east and west.

Commercial activity reached its zenith during the 8th and 9th centuries when raw material and goods of all kinds were brought into the area. The ports along the Arabian coast thrived and hence supported prosperous civilisations well-known for art and handicrafts.

Dubai was one of the commercially important centres in the region and its ports were constantly busy. In this prosperous society, hand-crafted jewellery included ornamental pieces worn by women such as necklaces, bracelets and rings, as well as daggers and swords used by men.

Jewellery constitutes a part of the Gulf's heritage with its roots in Islamic art.

Silver mining is a very old industry which began more than 5,000 years ago in the ancient Near East. It then spread to the Arabian Gulf.

According to Aysha Abdullah Mubarak, Director of Dubai Museum, from ancient times silver and gold have been used to make jewellery in the region.

This area was well-known for its skilled craftsmen who made some fine, unique jewellery. These hand-crafted pieces came in varied shapes and sizes and were used as ornaments or charms. The edges were enamelled and, often, the ornaments were embedded with precious stones.

The use of the jewellery became so common and popular that ornamentation could be seen even in domestic objects and became a manifestation of wealth.

"When the coastal ports became rich, gold prevailed over silver. Silver retreated to the inland areas and silver jewellery was commonly used by Bedouin women. However, this industry retained its originality and traditional styles."

Dubai Museum houses a collection of rare silver necklaces, beautifully designed and embellished with colourful beads and coins, informed Aysha. They were commonly used in this region for both commercial and decorative purposes.