Everything you need to know about Ramadan & Eid jewellery

We delve into the glittering world of accessories

Ramadan brings with it plenty of occasions to spend more time with near and dear ones. And, with everyone wanting to look their best during the Holy Month, jewellery is a sure-shot way to elevate a look, while still being respectful of local sensibilities. Luckily, there are a number of local and Middle Eastern designers and brands catering to this demand with the launch of special Eid and Ramadan collections. Whether it's delicate chains with Arabic motifs or statement necklaces with embellishments, there's something for everyone. Take a look.

MEET THE DESIGNERS: (from left to right) Rajesh Popley of Al Anwaar Jewellery, Elsa Osta of Elsa O, Lana Al Kamal of Lana Al Kamal and Vik and Natasha Jethwani of Vik Jethwani

Aim for brilliance

Al Anwaar is a jewellery brand with humble roots and pretty big goals. It all began when Rajesh Popley and his father Ramchand Popley opened an 800sq foot shop in Dubai's Gold Souk, the success of which led them to start their own retail store in 1988. Over the years, the brand evolved and, today, they deal exclusively in fine diamond jewellery, in a variety of cuts and hues.

"Though purchasing trends have definitely changed over the recent years, one thing that remains is that fine jewellery is a mark of a special time," explains owner and CEO Rajesh Popley. "A special piece of jewellery is also a lovely gift."

With Eid around the corner, there is no doubt that there are plenty of people on the lookout for that special gift, and Rajesh notes that there is a spike in sales towards the end of Ramadan ("to mark the beginning of Eid - it is a celebration after all"). However, irrespective of the occasion, today, what people look for, apart from quality, are trendy designs with an international appeal, he says.

"Social media has shrunk the world. The newer generation is more inclined towards designs that are showcased online. For millennials, jewellery is considered more of an accessory than an investment." It's for this reason that the brand recently launched its 'Inspired Brilliance' campaign featuring three influencers with diamond-studded accessories.

At the end of the day, buying jewellery for Eid or Ramadan is a deeply personal decision and can vary according to style, preference, budget, and the occasions one has during the season. Most importantly, says Rajesh, it's about how the accessories make someone feel. "A piece can make a person feel special, like they stands out from the crowd. And that confidence shows in everything they do."

Reach for the stars. and the moon

There are a lot of reasons to love Elsa Osta's quirky designs. The second collection of her jewellery brand, Elsa O, boldly features shapes such as moons, stars and other Arabic motifs - absolutely perfect for the season, and inspired by a pretty unusual source.

"The entire collection was actually inspired by a book I once found in a second-hand shop," she says. "It presented powerful women in the 20s to 60s in Cairo and Beirut with illustrations and graphics, and was all about expressing positivity and love during this time. So, when I started designing, it wasn't specifically for Ramadan but once we saw the entire collection, we wanted to highlight it for the Holy Month. It's just great for iftars and suhoors, and encourages people to play around with accessories a little more."

Other than highlighting Middle Eastern culture through her designs, one of her main goals is to encourage women to experiment more - not just with earrings and chains but with bracelets, brooches, and more.

Lana believes that, just as Ramadan warrants a different style of dressing, one should also adapt their jewellery style to suit the occasion. Crescent moon designs, accessories with gemstones and Islamic patterns will always be popular during the Holy Month. It's also important for look for patterns and shapes that go well with elegant