While most of the world is fighting back from economic recession, Qatar has managed to move ahead with business as usual. The incessant construction of high rises, compounds, and infrastructure continues without let up. The papers report daily on expansions in the oil and gas industries. This apparent prosperity was nowhere more evident than at the Jewelery and Watch Exhibit at the Exhibition Center over the past week.
Over 200 jewelery vendors were present to show their wares, and Qataris were buying---at least they were doing a lot of heavy looking!
The Exhibition Center was dressed in its evening clothes to provide the elegant surroundings appropriate for such majestic goods. The doorways were draped in white satin and the floors were softly carpeted. A large fountain stood in the entrance lobby under four sparkling chandeliers, a soft blue light coloring the bubbling water.
Most of the jewels were placed in large elaborate settings, targeting the Arab population, as one salesman explained to me. They were the most exquisite creations that I have ever seen. I wandered around for almost 2 hours just looking in wonder. I've posted some pictures but they do not do justice to the beautiful stones.
