Jewellery History in the Emirates

On the 2nd of Dec this year, UAE celebrates its golden jubilee. Although UAE is relatively a young nation, its jewellery history has a different story. Records show that jewellery goes back to as ancient as the Neolithic periods. Throughout history, materials used for jewellery have changed, yet gold and pearl still act as the main precious items in Emirati jewellery.

The first evidence of jewellery has been found in Ras Al Khaima, which is famous for quartzes such as carnelian and agate. These gemstones were the main materials of local jewellery produced and traded to nearby societies. The beads also act as evidence of the early trade with India and Pakistan as some etched carnelian beads were found in different areas such as Tell Abraq, Umm-An Nar, and Al Sufouh. Seventeen years ago, archaeologists discovered what is claimed to be the oldest natural pearl in Marawah Island, adjacent to Abu Dhabi Island. Its estimated age is around 7500 -8000 years which means it belongs to the Neolithic era
Traditional Emirati jewellery has been influenced throughout history by various cultures and civilizations due to the excessive trade lines between UAE, Indus civilizations, and the West since ancient times. For example, a significant influence in jewellery design can be seen, such as calligraphy & writing in traditional jewellery such as Al Tassah and different gold necklaces. This new style was taken from the Ottoman jewellery style.

The pre-oil time jewellery differs from the post-oil time in the material used. The dominant material in the old time was pearls, whereas gold jewellery was very rare and was mainly the property of wealthy families. At weddings, families with good fortune used to lend gold jewellery to other families, and many without any additional fees.

However, the oil discovery and the change of fortune in the Emirates made gold jewellery available for everyone. As a result, wedding jewellery started to be more variant.

Nowadays, traditional Emirati jewellery has unique designs that preserve main jewellery items such as Shawahid gold rings, Al Marami, Al Hyar, etc. Even if these are no longer the main wedding jewellery, they are still worn on special occasions like Hena, religious, national, etc. They are the new trend in UAE that come in modernized styles. If you are interested in looking at the best traditional jewellery collection such as gold necklaces, gold bracelets etc., in the UAE, you may buy gold from Al Romaizan online shop.