2 days ago
Javahir legacy: Crafting timeless jewellery in Dubai's Gold Park
In the year 2000, Javahir was launched in Dubai's prestigious Gold and Diamond Park. The inception of Javahir lies in the owners' own family interest in fine jewellery. Javahir was started by the late Nargis 'Najuma Begum' Khataw, with one more family member, in 1983.
Rooted in the word Jawhara in Arabic and Jawahir in Farsi — signifying something cherished and lasting — Javahir offers a unique blend of traditional yet modern pieces for weddings and celebrations.
'Each piece we create is of very high standards of creativity and quality, keeping in mind the preferential taste of our individual customers.'
Understanding what customers need is at the heart of Javahir's products. Being one of the first jewellers in the Gold and Diamond Park, Khataw has seen a consistent demand for fine jewellery.
When Javahir first opened its doors to clients, Deira Gold Souk and Meena Bazaar were the bustling hubs of jewellery. But today, the jewellery industry has undergone a metamorphosis. Arabesque geometry, Mughal artistry and contemporary minimalism all find a home here, shaping a dynamic and diverse jewellery market — and this has led to a lot of competition in the field.
Javahir prides itself on creating each piece as unique and handmade. A design at Javahir begins with a story or a single stone, and its natural contours and colour — hence the design revolves around the gem itself, rather than the other way around.
'I personally oversee every stage, from sketch to final setting, ensuring each piece holds true to inspiration.'
Haider has seen a worldwide change in jewellery trends that has also impacted the demand for jewellery in the UAE.
Historically, in the Middle East, jewellery served both as adornment and as a safeguard of wealth — but today, amongst the young, this concept is fast changing.
Since the 2000s, diamond pieces have seen a dramatic rise as a symbol of status, beauty and romance.
With the expansion and accessibility of the luxury market in the fashion-conscious, multicultural communities of the UAE, tastes have shifted somewhat — particularly among millennials, typically gravitating towards known brands.
'The luxury is now defined by recognition.'
The UAE has a great blend of old and new, and its influence is seen across its fashion world. There is a growth in the demand for traditional vintage designs and, at the same time, people also express preferences for more modern designs.
The UAE has always been a centre for well-crafted jewellery, which forms an integral part of fashion and style. The country is regularly visited by connoisseurs and collectors of jewellery, who look at the UAE as a great hub to find the choicest pieces by local and international jewellers.
Traditionally, gold — especially in South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures — has always held cultural and symbolic importance. But now, women are more inclined towards buying diamonds.
'Diamonds tend to reflect a more contemporary, global aesthetic, while gold remains a cherished choice for traditional events and heirloom pieces.'
Javahir's design philosophy stems from inspirations from vintage Art Deco and geometric forms, while retaining its timeless elegance and deep reverence for connection. 'We are navigating the intersection of tradition and modernity, crafting jewellery that not only honours timeless artistry but also embraces trend and taste. Jewellery connoisseurs and collectors in the UAE still prefer various modern and traditional pieces adorned with diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires and pearls.'
For Haider, each piece created by him holds a memory of his mother, who was the inspiration behind his creativity.
Therefore, each piece of jewellery at Javahir is not merely an ornament but a call to his family memories back home.
The UAE, with its economic prosperity and very fashion-conscious society, offers great opportunities to jewellers who produce the finest jewellery in the region.
'As someone who is continuing a family's legacy through Javahir, the UAE has given me the space to honour my heritage while also embracing new ideas, and raising my family that carries the value of hard work, integrity and community. What's remarkable about life here is the sheer diversity — not just of people, but of stories, customs and aspirations.'
