ABHA: A silver jewelry exhibition staged as part of the 26th Abha Shopping Festival has proven very popular with visitors, according to a report published by the Saudi Press Agency on Friday.
Highlights from the exhibition included rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches, intricately adorned with silver and agate, long favored in local markets.
Ali Basha, an investor in the silver and agate trade, told the SPA that visitors had been drawn to a wide variety of precious stones and jewelry, with particular interest in Yemeni agate, Turkish and Italian rings, liver agate, and natural agate. He also highlighted the appeal of prayer beads made from yusr, amber, amber dust, and bakelite, along with pure silver pieces plated in rhodium to achieve a brilliant, diamond-like shine.
Basha noted that products were available across a wide range of prices to suit most budgets, with silver rings priced between SR100 and SR1,000 ($27 to $270), and handcrafted silver jewelry pieces ranging from SR100 to SR2,500.
He added that he had witnessed a growing demand for antique silver, particularly pieces inlaid with amber and coral, which remain especially popular among collectors and enthusiasts.
“The silver and agate jewelry market continues to evolve, marked by the rise of contemporary designs crafted entirely by hand, without the use of machinery,†Basha told the SPA. “This careful craftsmanship endows each piece with a distinctive artistic character, deeply appealing to those who value originality and sophisticated elegance.â€
He concluded by suggesting that the pieces’ beauty, rich colors, natural luster, and varied designs make them an ideal choice for gifts for both men and women, which he believed contributed to the strong turnout at the exhibition.
