Video: 40% of jewelry designers and makers in Saudi Arabia are “women”

Reem Al-Hashidi, the certified jeweler and evaluator of precious metals and gemstones, said: The percentage of women’s presence in the field of jewelry crafting and design in Saudi Arabia is estimated at about 40%.

Al-Hashidi added, during her interview with “Al-Youm” during her tour of the gold exhibition held in Jeddah during the Jeddah Season, that this percentage is good for a start, and reflects the passion and creativity of Saudi women.

Available Opportunities

She explained that with the opportunities available today, She expects greater growth in the percentage of women in the field in the coming years.

Al-Hashidi highlighted her story with gold, how she entered the jewelry sector and the most important arts related to precious metals.

She stated that despite her academic path, which was directed towards obtaining advanced degrees, the passion for jewelry remained present, leading her today to a professional position that combines precise craftsmanship expertise, a modern evaluative vision, and commitment to the regulatory regulations that the Saudi market is witnessing in its new phase.

Al-Hashidi spoke about her upbringing as a natural extension of the profession, as visits to the gold shop were not just a family accompaniment, but rather a daily educational experience.

Gold Pricing

She pointed out that in those workshops, she was introduced to the first stages of jewelry making, from melting gold to forming bracelets, necklaces, and rings. She learned practically how gold is priced, what increases or decreases the value of the piece, and how the buying and selling process is managed with confidence and professionalism.
/>
She indicated that this early experience instilled a love for the craft within her until it became part of her personal identity.

Al-Hashidi said: Despite her high academic orientation, moving away from jewelry was only a temporary stage. Passion, according to her description, does not disappear, but rather waits for the right moment.

She added that her return to the sector was not a repetition of a previous experience, but rather a return with a different vision, combining scientific knowledge and academic methodology on the one hand, and inherited practical experience on the other hand. For her, jewelry is not just a piece to be worn, but rather an artistic story, cultural heritage, and economic value all at the same time.

Al-Hashidi mentioned the first piece she crafted, which was a ring that she still has today. Choosing the ring was not a coincidence, but rather because it is the basic introduction to learning the techniques of drawing, bending and shaping gold.

She explained that that first step opened her passion for delving into the smallest details, especially in the field of installing lobes and precious stones, which requires high precision and an advanced artistic sense.

Handcrafting

Al-Hashidi explained that handcrafting will remain an authentic craft with high artistic value, which technology cannot cancel. But at the same time, she confirms that modern technologies have become a necessity in a market that depends on speed, accuracy, and multiple quantities.

She said: "These technologies enabled factories and merchants to produce accurate designs with high quality, in less time, and at a considered cost, noting that technology, from her point of view, did not detract from the value of the craft, but rather supported it and expanded the horizons of creativity and development."

Workmanship of gold

She explained that workmanship is the most misunderstood concept among consumers. It is not measured by a fixed number, but is affected by several factors, most notably the type of design, the method of production, and the place of manufacture, whether local or imported, in addition to the costs of manpower and materials and the degree of complexity of the piece.

She indicated that special designs made to order have a higher workmanship than ready-made commercial pieces, because they depend on individual effort and high precision.

She said: "Manufacture varies according to weight, and prices in the Kingdom start from 9 riyals to 50 riyals per gram."

She added that the differences between local and imported manufacturing, the country of origin plays an important role, whether the parts are Italian, Indian, Chinese or Singaporean. However, according to her, the decisive factor is not the name itself, but rather the level of quality and technology used in manufacturing. The higher the accuracy and quality, the higher the workmanship.

Al-Hashidi believes that the merchant cannot randomly reduce workmanship, because it represents an actual cost. In addition, a profit margin varies according to the weight, type of piece, and method of sale, whether retail or wholesale.

She stressed that profit is necessary for the continuity of the business, but it must be fair and balanced, taking into account the interests of the merchant and the consumer at the same time.

A Radical Transformation

As a certified evaluator, Al-Hashidi indicates that the evaluation mechanisms have witnessed a radical transformation. In the past, the evaluation was based mainly on weight and caliber, but today it has become more comprehensive, taking into account the design, precision of execution, workmanship, quality of stones, and the identity of the piece itself.

This stage is described as the “new days” in evaluation, as levels of transparency have increased, and examination and approval mechanisms have been unified, with strict adherence to regulations. The consumer has also become more aware, able to distinguish between handmade and technical pieces, and between private and commercial design.

She believes that modern evaluation not only protects the consumer, but also protects the jeweler and designer, because distinctive pieces are valued at their true value, not at the price of mere gold, stressing that the Saudi market is witnessing a continuous update in rules and regulations, especially with regard to karats, in which there is no longer any room for leniency. The examination is strict, and the materials are subject to precise standards, which enhances confidence and raises the quality of the market in general.

Legacy and Heritage

She continued that Saudi design today stands on a solid foundation of legacy and heritage, which gives the designer a solid foundation for development and innovation. Design, she says, cannot be creative without a clear identity. Saudi design has succeeded in combining preserving originality and keeping pace with modernity, which is what distinguishes it in the markets.

You believe that preserving the legacy of the profession begins with introducing the new generation into the work environment from an early age, so that they can live the profession and not just hear about it. She stresses the importance of giving them confidence and room for error, because error is an essential part of learning. The profession, as she says, is not just a trade, but a name, a reputation, and a legacy that is preserved across generations.

On the other hand, Al-Hashidi revealed that the evaluation of precious metals and gemstones is a new section within the Authority of Accredited Appraisers in the Kingdom, which includes four main sections: real estate evaluation, machinery and equipment evaluation, economic establishment evaluation, and precious metals and gemstone evaluation.

Multiple fields

She explained that this specialization serves multiple fields, such as auctions, liquidations, And buying and selling operations, and it is a protection tool for both parties, the seller and the buyer. Evaluation includes examination and evaluation, and ensuring the safety of the product and its true value in the market.

She pointed out that the number of practitioners in this field is still limited, as they are the first group to be qualified to issue licensed evaluation reports, in accordance with the standards and regulations of the Authority, and in accordance with the regulations issued by the competent authorities, such as the Ministry of Commerce, which enhances safety and reliability in the market.

• For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter