Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Eid Al-Fitr brings a special sparkle to Emirati homes, and it’s not just in the lanterns or the shimmer of brand-new clothes. Jewellery, with its gleam and intricate designs, is yet another feature that spotlights these rich family traditions.
Emirati jewellery designers understand this cherished Eid custom, explaining that every pair of earrings, heirloom necklace, or golden bangle tells a story. Each piece carries moments of joy, family connection, and celebration — treasures far more precious than the gold and gemstones themselves, they say.
“Jewellery in the Emirati home is considered an essential part of the joy of Eid. Just as people wear new clothes and prepare perfume and incense, jewels complete this picture,” said Amani Al Hammadi, a jewellery designer.
Al Hammadi described it as a time-honoured practice, as women dress up for Eid and carefully select baubles to match their outfits and reflect their personal styles.
Gold is a common choice for women and girls as it adds “a touch of luxury” to the festivities, she told Aletihad. “The presence of jewellery on this occasion is always associated with happiness, as if it were a beautiful expression of welcoming Eid with joy,” Al Hammadi said.
Khadija Al Salami, also a designer, highlighted how styles and preferences have evolved over time. “In the past, women were keen to wear large and heavy pieces, often reserved for Eid celebrations and weddings,” Al Salami told Aletihad. “Today, designs have kept pace with modern lifestyles. Pieces inspired by the same heritage are now lighter in size and weight, allowing them to be worn on various occasions throughout the year.”
In a treasure trove of gems, however, some carry the unique weight and shine of family tradition, the two designers said. Heirloom pieces — treasured items that witnessed years upon years of memories — are usually the stars of the occasion.
“In many Emirati homes, some jewellery pieces are passed down from generation to generation, often as a gift from a mother to her daughter or from a grandmother to her granddaughter,” Al Hammadi said.
“These pieces are considered part of the family heritage. Wearing them during Eid has a special meaning because it connects the past with the present,” she added.
Al Salami emphasised that inherited jewellery is an important part of family history, often encrusted with stories and emotions. “Women make sure to wear a piece of sentimental value on every occasion, such as a piece from their grandmother or a gift from their mother or husband. These pieces are associated with happy memories like a wedding, birth, success, or even a special Eid gift. During Eid specifically, wearing these pieces becomes a way to evoke memories and renew family bonds,” she said.
Another meaningful tradition, Al Salami added, is gifting jewellery to newborn girls. “Bracelets and necklaces are among the most popular gifts, along with the custom of fitting earrings, adding a warm, festive touch to the occasion,” she said.
“We prepare a wide range of new designs for all ages to meet Eid celebrations, particularly for newborns. This year is especially meaningful as Eid coincides with Mother’s Day.”
Al Salami stressed that Eid celebrations feel incomplete without jewellery, whether worn or given as a token of love. Gifting also plays a key role in strengthening these bonds, she said.
“Eid gifts vary between cash and jewellery, and cash gifts are often used to purchase a piece that will remain a lasting keepsake of the occasion, reinforcing the connection between Eid and feelings of joy and continuity,” Al Salami added.
