Best Jewellery Gifts
With Christmas nearly upon us and the majority of us have been and are staying in Doha, all of our gifts are purchased and wrapped neatly with a bow under the tree, right? If that is not you and you are searching for some last minute gift ideas, keep reading or you simply want some ideas for upcoming gifts (and that includes gifts to give yourself) keep reading too!
“Pearls are always appropriate.” - Jackie Kennedy
Being in Qatar, pearls are a must have item for any and all jewellery lovers. They are linked to Qatar’s history and celebrated today all around the country. Who doesn’t love walking along Corniche and snapping a photo with the iconic Peal and Oyster statue?
What I love the most about pearls is they can really be for everyone and every occasion. Have a friend that is elegant and classic, pearl stud earrings are the way to go. Or is your significant other one who likes to break the mould, a baroque freshwater pearl ring would fit nicely. But what about the men you ask, cuff links or a tie clip are sure to impress. Truly the options are endless.
I recommend visiting Marmi Jewellery & Gem Centre. This is a store that I have personally purchased from in the past. They made a beautiful set of pearl studs and pendant for a fare-well gift for a co-worker. Nursi and his team are so pleasant to deal with. It was during the lockdown, everything was done over WhatsApp and their customer service was excellent.
I had the set made in 18kt yellow gold, as seen in the photo. They offer a variety of metals from a minimum 925 silver; yellow, rose and white gold in 18kt, 21kt and 22kt. Pearls with silver backings and chains are in stock with prices starting at 150QAR. Prices with gold depend on gold’s current market value, so please contact them directly for a quote.
They carry freshwater and saltwater cultured pearls with the premier being South Sea pearls.
Furthermore, They have a wide variety of gemstones and jewellery available as well. Their instagram page is always adding showing off their latest gems. Their website has all of their contact information and operating hours with a map of their location making it easy to find them.
A Key to My Heart
I do not think you can ever go wrong with gift that comes in the iconic blue box. Therefore, second on my list is the classic Tiffany & Co’s Key pendant. It is chic while still being versatile. It comes in silver, white gold, rose gold, yellow gold and platinum. If you want to add some sparkle, keys made from gold or platinum have diamond options available.
This necklace can be worn with a multitude of different outfits. One way to change up the look of the key is with the length of the chain. I find that a longer chain length is not as formal while still being stylish. You can pair it with dark denim, a silk blouse and a pair of heals for dinner at STK or for sips at Manko after work. A slightly shorter chain would go perfect with an A-line dress worn to afternoon tea at the W Cafe or the Four Seasons. Or add a small silk scarf, with the key underneath to feel and look instantly put together.
The Tiffany & Co boutique is located in Villaggio Mall. I did speak with an employee this past week and they do have a keys in stock. Please visit or contact the store to confirm inventory and pricing.
Its All in the Name
The final gift idea is one that everyone needs- Arabic name necklace. This is a popular choice among residents and visitors alike. It makes a great gift as it is personable due to it being a name and very picturesque as Arabic script is a work of art in itself. Think of it not just as giving a piece of jewellery but also piece of art.
As with most jewellery in Doha, this necklace has a silver, yellow gold, rose gold or white gold option. And again prices depend on the current value of gold, chain length and the detail of the name. You will need to talk with the jewellers directly for quotes.
There are two places I will recommend based upon recommendations coming from very good friends.
The first is Shine Gold and Diamonds. They have multiple locations with many people knowing their Gold Souq location. They are a favourite among many expats.
In speaking with an employee if you would like your name in silver, prices start at 120QAR; in gold it starts at 650QAR. They take approximately 3-4 days to complete.
Check out their Instagram for further details.
The second shop is Maeen Jewellery. It is located in Souq Waqif near Bismillah Hotel. Their prices start at 100QAR for a silver necklace and 550QAR for an 18kt gold necklace. They will take approximately two days to make.
To see where the store is, with map, and more of the styles they offer, click onto Sally Agrote’s Instagram. She has a whole Story Highlight titled “Necklace” about Maeen and her necklace.
Pro jewellery buying tip: if you do not read and write Arabic, first look at your QID. It will have your name in Arabic on it. If you do not have a QID, find someone you know or a friend knows that does read and write Arabic to write out your name. This way you end up with the correct spelling the first time around and you do not need to have your necklace fixed after the fact. It is quite sad having to give make a piece of jewellery to get corrected when all you want to do is wear it.
Hopefully these suggestions have sparked some gift giving ideas for now and the future. Have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and cheers to a much better 2021!
This is not a sponsored post. All views and opinions expressed are my own.
Photo 1: Top view of the boxes tied with silk ribbon on tiffany blue color sparkling background. Gift festive selection. long wide banner with copy space. Christmas decorations by Julia Strekoza
Photo 2: Pearl Earrings and Necklace made by Marmi Jewellery & Gem Centre by Melissa Tarabula
Photo 3: Tiffany & Co Key Necklace by Andrea Hardy
Photo 4: Arabic Name Necklace made by Shine Gold & Diamond by Melissa Tarabula
Photo 5: Arabic Name Necklace made by Maeen Jewellery by Sally Agrote