Bahrain's Jewelry Shopping: A Guide To Buying The Best

Bahrain is a great place to shop for jewellery, with a wide range of options available, from traditional gold bracelets to modern designs. The Bahrain Jewellery Centre, with 18 flagship stores across the country, is the most trusted luxury watches and jewellery dealer in the Kingdom of Bahrain, offering an extensive range of superior timepieces and jewellery from over 200 prestigious brands. The annual Jewellery Arabia event is another great opportunity to shop from global, regional and local brands, with over 650 jewellery and watch brands gathering for five days at Exhibition World Bahrain. For those looking for bridal jewellery, there are many famous jewellery shops in Bahrain, most of which are located at the gold souk. Al Zain, established in 1930, is one of the world's leading jewellers, offering contemporary everyday 18k and bespoke high jewellery. Devji Aurum, Damas Jewelry, Layali, and Malabar Gold and Diamonds are also popular choices for bridal jewellery. Modern Jewellery in Manama Souq is a great option for those looking for elegant and fine jewellery with the latest designs, featuring 18 and 21-karat gold studded with gemstones.

Bridal jewellery

One renowned jeweller in Bahrain is Al Zain Jewellery, established in 1930. Al Zain showcases the rich Arabian heritage through contemporary designs, handcrafted by skilled artisans. Their collections include the Hab El Hayl, inspired by the humble cardamom seed, featuring modern interpretations of traditional motifs. Al Zain offers both everyday contemporary pieces and bespoke high jewellery, ensuring there is something for every bride.

Devji Aurum is another esteemed jewellery brand in Bahrain, known for celebrating brides with passion. Their Bridal Collection embodies world-class design, honouring age-old rules of proportion and style. Devji Aurum also offers customisation, allowing brides to design their own unique jewellery with over one million certified diamonds available. Their pieces range from minimalistic statement jewellery to extravagant masterpieces, ensuring that every bride finds something that suits her taste and personality.

Additionally, the Bahrain Jewellery Centre, located in the Moda Mall, is the leading luxury watches and jewellery dealer in the Kingdom of Bahrain. They offer an extensive range of jewellery and partner with over 200 prestigious brands worldwide. The centre includes standalone boutiques for renowned brands such as Tiffany, Piaget, Chopard, and Bulgari, ensuring that brides-to-be can find exquisite pieces for their special day.

For those seeking traditional gold jewellery, the Gold Souk in Bahrain is a famous destination. It houses many renowned jewellery shops, including established brands and those offering modern designs. Whether you're looking for classic Bahraini bracelets or contemporary pieces, the Gold Souk is sure to have something that will add sparkle to your wedding day.

Traditional gold Bahraini bracelets

Traditional gold bracelets from Bahrain are a beautiful way to adorn your wrist with the country's rich cultural heritage. When it comes to these timeless pieces, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, gold bracelets in Bahrain often feature 22-karat gold, which strikes a perfect balance between durability and a rich, vibrant colour. This quality of gold is ideal for the intricate designs that characterise traditional Bahraini jewellery.

When seeking out traditional gold Bahraini bracelets, consider visiting the gold souk, a famous destination for brides-to-be and jewellery enthusiasts alike. Within the bustling marketplace, you'll discover a variety of shops, including longstanding establishments like Al Zain, Devji Aurum, Damas Jewelry, and Layali. Each of these jewellers offers its own unique take on traditional gold bracelets.

Al Zain, established in 1930, is renowned for its contemporary designs inspired by Arabia's rich heritage. Their highly skilled artisans meticulously handcraft the highest grade raw materials into exquisite works of art. Devji Aurum, another esteemed jeweller, is known for its world-class bridal designs that honour age-old rules of proportion and style.

Damas Jewelry, with its headquarters in Dubai, boasts about 300 stores across the Middle East. They offer a wide range of diamond, pearl, and 18-carat gold jewellery. Layali, another specialist in diamond and pearl jewellery, also crafts semi-precious stones and 18-carat gold pieces.

When purchasing gold bracelets in Bahrain, it's essential to understand the gold market and the factors influencing prices. The making charges, for instance, can add significantly to the cost of the jewellery. These charges depend on the design's complexity and the jeweller's reputation, so it's advisable to compare options from different shops.

Modern jewellery pieces

When it comes to modern jewellery pieces in Bahrain, there are several options to explore, from renowned luxury brands to local boutiques. Here are some suggestions:

Al Zain Jewellery

Al Zain Jewellery is a well-established brand in Bahrain, founded in 1930 with a vision to showcase rich Arabian heritage through contemporary designs. Their skilled artisans create exquisite pieces, ranging from contemporary everyday 18K jewellery to bespoke high jewellery. The Hab El Hayl collection, inspired by the cardamom seed, is a beautiful example of their modern interpretation of traditional motifs. With boutiques across the Middle East and a presence in luxury stores in the US, Al Zain offers a blend of timeless Arabian heritage and contemporary elegance.

Bahrain Jewellery Centre (BJC)

BJC is the go-to destination for luxury watches and jewellery in Bahrain. They offer an extensive selection of superior timepieces and jewellery from over 200 prestigious brands. BJC houses stand-alone boutiques for renowned names such as Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin, Omega, Tiffany, and Bulgari. Whether you're seeking modern necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or rings, BJC provides a bespoke service to meet your needs. Their Grand Seiko Salon at Moda Mall – Manama is definitely worth a visit.

Jewellery Arabia

If you're looking for a wide range of options, Jewellery Arabia is an event that gathers hundreds of global, regional, and local brands under one roof. Taking place at Exhibition World Bahrain, it offers a luxurious experience with an array of modern jewellery designs to explore. From well-known luxury brands to emerging designers, Jewellery Arabia presents a unique opportunity to find that special piece.

Devji Aurum

Devji Aurum is renowned for its exquisite bridal jewellery, celebrating brides with passion and elegance. Their Bridal Collection showcases world-class design, proportion, and style, creating heirloom masterpieces. If you're seeking modern jewellery with a classic aesthetic, Devji Aurum is definitely worth considering.

Layali

For those who appreciate the sparkle of diamonds and pearls, Layali is a specialised brand. They offer fine jewellery crafted with diamonds, pearls, gemstones, and semi-precious stones, set in 18-carat gold. Layali's pieces are versatile and suitable for various occasions, providing modern elegance with a touch of luxury.

Luxury watches

When it comes to luxury watches in Bahrain, there are several options to consider. The Bahrain Jewellery Centre (BJC) is one of the most trusted luxury watch dealers in the country, offering an extensive range of superior timepieces from over 200 prestigious brands. With 18 flagship stores across Bahrain, BJC provides a bespoke service and houses stand-alone boutiques for major luxury watch brands such as Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin, Omega, Patek Philippe, Chopard, Bulgari, Tiffany, Piaget, Hublot, TAG Heuer, and Panerei. BJC also prioritises after-sales service, with a fully equipped workshop for watch repairs.

Another trusted retailer of luxury watches in Bahrain is Ashrafs, which offers a wide range of options for both men and women. Ashrafs carries well-known brands such as G-Shock, Rolex, Rado, Tag Heuer, Longines, Tissot, and Breitling. They provide guidance on choosing the best watch for different occasions and attire, categorising their selection into regular, exclusive, and digital watches.

For those seeking a more exclusive shopping experience, the Moda Mall in Manama is home to high-end jewellery and watch retailers. The mall houses the Bahrain Jewellery Centre, which recently opened its first Grand Seiko Salon, offering a range of superior timepieces.

Additionally, online shopping platforms like Sharaf DG and bjc.com.bh provide an extensive selection of luxury watches from various brands, allowing customers to browse and purchase timepieces from the comfort of their homes.

When buying a luxury watch in Bahrain, it is essential to consider the after-sales service and customer satisfaction provided by the retailer. A trusted dealer with a dedicated workshop for repairs and maintenance can ensure the longevity and proper care of your timepiece.

Gold karat options

When it comes to gold karat options in Bahrain, you will be spoiled for choice. The gold market in Bahrain is vibrant, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and strong demand for gold jewellery. Here is a guide to help you navigate the different gold karat options available:

24-Karat Gold

24K gold is the most commonly used purity in Bahrain, containing 99.9% gold. It is highly valued for its lustre and hypoallergenic properties, making it a preferred choice for fine jewellery and investment. The price of 24K gold in Bahrain is influenced by international gold prices and is subject to fluctuations. On November 1, 2024, the rate was 33.27 Bahraini Dinar per gram, but it is important to check for the latest rates as they can vary.

22-Karat Gold

Following closely in popularity is 22K gold, which contains 91.6% pure gold. This karat option is favoured for its balance of durability and rich colour, making it ideal for intricate jewellery designs. Traditional Bahraini jewellery pieces, such as necklaces and bracelets, often feature 22K gold. The price for this karat is slightly lower than 24K, with a recent rate of 28.94 Bahraini Dinar per gram.

18-Karat Gold

18K gold comprises 75% pure gold and is commonly used for contemporary jewellery designs. It provides increased durability while still maintaining a rich appearance, making it versatile for various modern styles and settings. The price of 18K gold is lower than the previous two options, with a recent rate of 23.68 Bahraini Dinar per gram.

14-Karat Gold

While less commonly used, 14K gold is also available in Bahrain, containing 58.3% gold. It offers a good balance of strength and cost, appealing to those seeking affordability without compromising quality. The price of 14K gold will be significantly lower than the higher karats, but exact rates should be verified with local jewellers.

When purchasing gold jewellery in Bahrain, it is important to consider factors such as the making charges, which can vary depending on the design complexity and the jeweller's reputation. These charges can range from 5% to 15% of the gold price per gram, so it is advisable to inquire about them beforehand to understand the total cost of your purchase.

Frequently asked questions