TRADITIONAL STYLE SAUDI ACCESSORIES

These shiny gold jewelry fringes can be worn on veils, around the waist, or as necklaces

These cute necklace pendants are tiny niqabs

For little boys, the belted khanjar - traditional curved Saudi daggers

Sorry I haven't been visiting blogs - I'm busy packing to leave by the end of this month. I'll no longer be living here in Saudi Arabia and will just return in the future for short visits. So I'll be discontinuing my regular blogging soon.  

I've really enjoyed making friends all over the world through blogging and would like to thank you for your interest and questions about the country I have called home for the past 15 years.  It's been quite an adventure!  Much love and best wishes to you all! 

WEEKEND ROUNDUP - LETTER "Q"

STARTS WITH "Q" - "QUADRUPED" IS AN ANIMAL WITH 4 FEET

A FAVORITE - "QUILT" OF A SAUDI DOOR (SAW IT AT A BAZAAR)

"QUALITY" - SAUDI GOLD IS PRIZED FOR ITS HIGH QUALITY

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FRIDAY BLISS

 

WEEKEND ROUNDUP - LETTER "J"

"JAM" - TOMATO TAPAS JAM (PIC TAKEN IN SEATTLE)

NOTE:  THIS PRODUCT WOULD NOT BE SOLD IN SAUDI ARABIA

BECAUSE OF THE IMAGE OF THE PIG ON THE PRODUCT

STARTS WITH "J" - COULD BE "JAR" OR "JOKE"

DEFINITELY LOST IN TRANSLATION

STARTS WITH "J" OR A FAVORITE - "JARS" OF NUTELLA

A FAVORITE - "JEWELRY" - GOLD IS HIGH QUALITY HERE IN SAUDI

LINKING TO - 

THE WEEKEND ROUNDUP

FRIDAY BLISS

 

Jeddah Shops for Gold

So many gold shops - so little time!

Our World - Jeddah Gold Souk

One of the most popular purchases of visitors to Saudi Arabia is gold jewelry.  Why, you might ask?  There are several factors at play here, making gold a better value in Saudi Arabia.  The Magic Kingdom is the largest manufacturer and supplier of gold jewelry in the whole region of the Middle East. The quality of the gold available here can be found in higher karat content than in many places around the globe.

Another reason is that competition is fierce, with business districts of many places having a large and thriving gold industry.   Also, taxes are lower as well, at a nominal 5% VAT.  Added to these reasons is the fact that labor costs are cheap here in Saudi Arabia. with gold manufacturers and gold souks frequently staffed by a labor force imported from less affluent countries in Asia. 

Many of the gold fashions of Saudi Arabia are heavy, intricate, and bulky, and much of it could be described as gaudy.  Since the gold content of many pieces is higher, it appears bright yellow in color.
Lately though there has been a problem reported in Saudi Arabia, with religious pilgrims (short term visitors to the kingdom who tend to purchase gold when visiting) becoming the target of gold scams and being sold inferior quality gold as pure gold (24K).

TIPS FOR BUYING GOLD -
- Check the gold rate - it fluctuates daily
- Pay cash, if possible. Purchasers have more bargaining power if they don't use a credit card.
- Take along someone who speaks Arabic, if you can. It will make negotiating a lower price easier.
- Go to the local gold souks, where you will likely get a better price than at mall shops.

Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is like all around our ever-amazing planet.

Jeddah Scenes from Gold Souk

Saudi Arabia Gold Shops

When people come to visit Saudi Arabia, one of the most popular gifts purchased is gold. The pureness of the gold here is of a much higher karat content than in many places around the world. It is commonly available in up to 24 karat and is more yellow in color.

Gold here is sold by weight. The styling doesn't really matter.  Much of the styling is rather over the top and gaudy, if you ask me.  

Jeddah Al Balad Gold Shop

One of the many shops in Al Balad that sell gold - at the Gold Souk in Jeddah.

Our World - Arabic Script Jewelry

I've always been attracted to Arabic script since we moved here - in business signs, toilet signs, and jewelry, and wherever else there is Arabic writing.  The above pendant says "Mother" in the larger script.  There is smaller Arabic script at the very top that says "I love my..."

This pendant is just of the letter "Ya."

This last pendant spells out the woman's name of "Shahad."

Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is like all around our ever-amazing planet.

Waiting for Customers

One of the most popular purchases of tourists to Saudi Arabia is gold.  The karat content is much higher here than in many other countries of the world.  

Arabic Calligraphy Jewelry

Arabic script is often incorporated into designs here, through artwork or jewelry.  These pendants caught my eye for their intricate details and appealing style.  

Saudi Gold

Gold is one of the things that many expats like to purchase while here in Saudi Arabia.  The actual gold content is usually at least 21K - much higher than many places around the world.  The gold is sold by weight.  There are many gold souks here.

Jeddah: Gold Souk Window

Gold is a popular commodity here in Jeddah, and there are many areas which offer gold souks.  Shop after shop, one right after the other, sell gold by weight.  Gold is often given to a bride as a wedding gift and is also given as part of her dowry.  This particular shop is in the Turkish-Afghani souk in Old Jeddah.  CLICK HERE FOR A MAP to this souk.