The second annual Ramadan Majlis series hosted by The Cultural Office of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in collaboration with Sotheby’s Dubai began this week.
Sotheby’s provided two experts - David Bennett, the worldwide chairman of Sotheby’s International Jewellery Division and Daniela Mascetti, a senior jewellery specialist to give a talk titled Understanding Jewellery, from which they shared several images and slides.
The Cultural Office Ramadan Majlis is an event hosted every year under a different theme, to develop dialogue around art and culture and its importance in the UAE. This year, as part of their new collaboration with Sotheby’s that aims to establish educational events, Sotheby’s experts gave audiences insights into the fascinating world of fine jewels. It was also the first in a series of events that will continue later this year, with the experts eventually establishing short courses around similar themes.
Mona Bin Kalli, the director of The Cultural Office, said: “In line with the commitment of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to bolster and support the growth of the UAE’s artistic audiences and practitioners, Ramadan Cultural Majlis aims to bring together prominent figures and thought leaders to initiate a dialogue on various forms and aspects of art.
“Our partnership with Sotheby’s on this event has been very successful and we hope to host more such sessions that add to the already thriving art and cultural scene of Dubai.”
David Bennett said: “Following Sotheby’s Dubai’s launch earlier this year, it was very important to our team to mark the occasion by hosting an inaugural Ramadan Majlis. We are delighted to be doing so with The Cultural Office of HH Sheikha Manal, continuing our relationship and creating shared educational experiences for our valued clients in the region, as well as welcoming new associates.”
He continued: “It feels fitting that this opportunity revolves around a shared experience of gaining greater understanding of some of the world’s greatest natural treasures, ranging from natural pearls to rare diamonds. Over the course of several decades we have found that our clients in the Middle East have an especially deep appreciation for fine jewels and gemstones, thanks to a rich history of collecting, and this is an opportunity to develop this appreciation as well as to meet a new audience.”
After the session, Bennett and Mascetti signed copies of their book Understanding Jewellery, a classic Antique Collectors’ Club title for attendees.
