Oil isn’t Saudi’s only underground treasure… Gold is mined along the west coast and is highly sought after in the kingdom (kingdoms and gold seem to go hand in hand, after all 👑).
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Husbands-to-be buy gold for their bride’s dowry, jewelry is gifted for special occasions, and tourists and pilgrims often spend time (and 💵 ) in the gold souks before returning home. Some Saudi women consider gold jewelry a necessity – if your husband hasn’t bought you gold yet, something must be wrong. 😄
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The gold jewelry is priced per gram and supposedly it’s great quality and a decent value due to the competitive market.
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This photo was taken in the gold souk of the old quarter. Shop after shop line the street, their display windows sparkling with extravagant jewelry sets. They showcase pieces with intricate filigree patterns, necklaces with gold flowers and embellished butterflies, and heavy-looking pendants. Not exactly my vibe, but that must be what sells.
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Among the myriad of shops, I struggled to find a simple piece of jewelry I would actually want to wear. But honestly, even if I found something I liked, I would be anxious to buy it because I don’t know if I’m getting the real thing and if they’re giving me an honest price. If I do decide I want a piece of jewelry as a Saudi keepsake, I will definitely take a local friend who could bargain in Arabic on my behalf. 😊
