Eastern Region Of Saudi Arabia: A Rich Heritage In Gold And Jewelry Craftsmanship

Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region is renowned for its long-standing tradition of gold and jewelry craftsmanship. This intricate art, deeply rooted in families from Al-Ahsa and Qatif, has significantly contributed to the region's cultural and commercial landscape. Despite economic changes prompting some artisans to explore other careers or focus on gold trading, a committed group continues to uphold and evolve this craft.

In a conversation with the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Mohammed Ali Al-Hamad, who once led the Gold and Jewelry Committee at the Asharqia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, shared his insights into the profession's historical journey. Al-Hamad belongs to a family with a rich history in gold manufacturing and trading. He learned the craft from his father and grandfathers, mastering traditional techniques using basic tools to create unique jewelry pieces.

Al-Hamad explained that early goldsmiths were not only skilled craftsmen but also savvy merchants. They interacted directly with customers in their shops, selling creations and reworking precious metals brought by patrons. Some traveled extensively to trade used gold, silver, and traditional cloak embroidery (bisht), relying on manual scales before grams became standard.

He recalled accompanying his father as a child to buy a 10-tola gold ingot (about 116 grams) for SAR600—a substantial amount then. The traditional process involved melting gold over hot coals using leather bellows, then shaping it with a hammer and anvil. Artisans often crafted their own tools and displayed finished pieces in a "matbakah," a traditional display box.

The Kingdom's economic expansion led many goldsmiths to shift towards commercial ventures, opening shops, workshops, and factories. Others pursued opportunities in national companies or government roles. Al-Hamad noted that his generation bridged the gap between pure handcrafting and the transition to gold trading and specialized workshops.

The SPA also interviewed Jaafar bin Ahmed Al-Nasser, an electrical engineering graduate from the United States who chose to continue his family's legacy in goldsmithing. He established a modern factory equipped with advanced global technology. Al-Nasser highlighted significant transformations in the industry due to economic, cultural, and social influences.

Challenges Facing Modern Jewelers

Exposure to international cultures has increased customer demand for unique designs, prompting jewelers to innovate using advanced machinery from around the world. Al-Nasser pointed out that rising gold costs have made larger pieces more expensive to produce. Consequently, designers aim to create visually appealing jewelry with minimal weight—a key goal for contemporary manufacturers.

A legal document over two centuries old details the sale of a gold sandal, underscoring the historical importance of this craft. Transactions were often based on trust; gold was frequently sold on credit or entrusted for repair or modification.

This rich heritage continues to influence modern practices as artisans adapt their skills while preserving traditions that have defined Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region for centuries.

With inputs from SPA