Office of Commercial Affairs Royal Thai Embassy (Thai...

Gems & Jewelry in Egypt Thai Trade Center, Cairo Sherif Yehya

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PRODUCT PROFILE

GEMS AND JEWELRY (71)

Natural or Cultured Pearls, Precious or Semi-Precious Stones, Precious Metals, Metals Clad

with Precious Metal, and Articles Thereof; Imitation Jewelry; Coin

CONTENTS

1. Range of Products………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 02

2. Product’s Demand in Market……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 02

3. Production Situation……...……………………………………………………......................................................... 03

4. Import & Export Volume & Statistics…………………………………………................................................... 05

5. Tariffs Egypt Using Harmonized System Nomenclature…………………..…………………………………………. 10

6. Supply-Demand Side…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 07

7. Trend of Consumption………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 07

8. Market Condition……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 07

9. Distribution Channels…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 13

10. Marketing…………………………………………………………………................................................................... 13

11. Consumer Behavior………………….………………………………………….......................................................... 13

12. Import Procedures & Regulations……………………………………………….................................................. 14

13. Non-Tariff Barriers……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14

14. Industry Promotion & Development……………………………………………................................................. 14

15. Trend of Industry………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14

16. List of Egyptian Importers…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14

17. List of Gems & Jewelry Organization or Association……………………………………………………………………. 16

SHERIF YEHYA

2014

Office of Commercial Affairs Royal Thai Embassy

(Thai Trade Center, Cairo)


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1. Range of products

� Pearls natural or cultured.

� Diamonds.

� Precious stones, semi-precious stones.

� Synthetic or reconstructed precious or semi-precious stones.

� Dust and powder of natural or synthetic precious or semi precious stones.

� Silver, including silver plated with gold or platinum.

� Base metals clad with silver.

� Gold, including gold plated with platinum.

� Platinum.

� Jewelry.

� Goldsmiths’ or silversmiths wares.

� Imitation jewelry

� Coin, silver or gold.

2. Product’s demand in market

Egypt has high capabilities in the world for producing jewelries and accessories where Egypt is

capable of producing the genuine and costume jewelry. State’s concern to launch all the procedures

and activities towards supporting and promoting product quality and impose strict measures to

analyze and inspect exports of gems and jewelry in accordance with the international standards

applicable has contributed to develop the gems and jewelry market in Egypt.

The final products or finished products of jewelries either gold, silver, diamonds, pearls or others are

the most circulated products in the markets due to the lack of raw materials.

Egyptians are famous for their jewelry, and probably have been throughout history. Examples are

abundant on statutes and paintings or relieves of queens, but also any number of noble and even

common women. Jewelry was used for adornment, protection as in amulets, and of course, as

symbols of status. In fact, the world’s oldest known surviving jewelry is said to have been found on an

Egyptian queen Zer, a bracelet made from turquoise and gold. Jewelry was often made of gold, but

somewhat later, silver was used. Besides turquoise, which was mined early on in the Sinai, other

popular stones included lapis lazuli, and carnelian, and amethyst.

The jewelry craze did not stop with the ancient Egyptians. When the Arabs came to town, they bought

with them a wide range of jewelry which, while different then the ancient Egyptian designs,

nevertheless were beautiful and unique in their own way. The Arabs have always been great

designers, and today, Arab jewelry remains timelessly elegant, often with impressive calligraphy and

arabesque designs.

In Egypt, jewelry might be broken down into several categories. These might consist of:

- Cheap Jewelry:

This includes both jewelry for tourists and Egyptians, which often consists of Bedouin designs made

from silver and less precious metals. One may find this throughout Egypt, in both tourist

establishments as well as shops that deal with the local populous, though these are often not jewelry

stores. More often then not, they are stores that sell a variety of Arabic items. Some of the better

items are sold through stores owned by the craftsman who make the jewelry. This type of jewelry can

usually be purchased for well under 10 USD.


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- Tourist jewelry:

The most common jewelry that is pushed to tourists are slightly more expensive, made from either

gold or silver. Usually, this jewelry has a pharaonic design, such as the ever popular cartouch and

“head of Nefitari pendants. This type of jewelry can be purchased all over the Internet, but usually

well above the price that one may pay in Egypt. In Egypt almost every single jewelry store carries

some for of tourist jewelry , so it may be found at your hotel, the Khan, and just about anywhere else.

The cost of this type of jewelry in Egypt may range anywhere from approximately $15 to $250, those

considering the variety available, pieces might be found for somewhat less, and occasionally, a great

deal more.

- Tourist Jewelry – Fine Antiquity Reproductions:

For an example of a fine reproduction which is not really an artifact at all, but a carefully made

reproduction of an actual piece. Normal tourist jewelry is rarely made to exacting details as

reproductions of actual jewelry from Egypt’s antiquity, and in fact, most of it bares no resemblance to

actual historical pieces. However, a few jewelers to make such reproductions, which are generally

very expensive, and for good reason. Most use massive amounts of gold with setting stones that

match the actual museum piece. Frankly, this type of jewelry may probably be found just as easily

outside of Egypt as in Egypt, though it is likely to be less expensive if found in Egypt. Mostly, this type

of jewelry is found in some of the finest jewelry store, and a few locations in the Khan el-Khalili. Look

for prices beginning in the $250 range with an upper limit in excess of $5,000.

- Regular Egyptian Jewelry:

Regular, or non tourist jewelry can really be broken down into two types of jewelry, consisting of very

normal items which might be found everywhere in the world, and items more unique to the Middle

East. An as elsewhere in the world, the price range varies from under $100 on up.

- Ordinary:

By ordinary, we mean jewelry that might be purchased by an Egyptian in Egypt, or people anywhere

else in the world in their local jewelry store. However, due to exchange rates and the high

competition of many jewelry stores in Egypt, bargains may be easily found. Gold and silver jewelry is

often sold almost strictly by weight.

- Arabic and Egyptian:

The Egyptians are very fine jewelers, and some of their modern, non-tourist jewelry is elegant and

even inspired, not to mention unusual. This jewelry often discourages the use of diamonds in favor of

larger, more exotic stones, and the striking result can be fantastic.

3. Production Situation

Nature of Product:

Categories of gems and jewelry in Egypt vary widely from the old design to the class one. Such variety

has come to reflect the different tastes for consumers along with their level represented by their

purchasing power. For the national consumers they prefer the stylish design and French one specially

if produced from diamonds, pearls and other precious stones and that is applicable only to the high-

standard stratum of population. The low-standard stratum of population tends to acquire the durable


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jewelries made up of gold and silver. For the foreign consumers they found it is appealing to acquire

the jewelries that bears the old tinge and design specially that reflect the pharaoh’s style.

Power of Product

Egypt has high capabilities in the world for producing jewelries and accessories where Egypt is

capable of producing the genuine and costume jewelry. State’s concern to launch all the procedures

and activities towards supporting and promoting product quality and impose strict measures to

analyze and inspect exports of gems and jewelry in accordance with the international standards

applicable has contributed to develop the gems and jewelry market in Egypt. The final products or

finished products of jewelries either gold, silver, diamonds, pearls or others are the most circulated

products in the markets due to the lack of raw materials.

Number of Factories:

Manufacturing of gems and jewelry in Egypt has been governed mainly by small workshops

concentrated in the old city, El Moski, Cairo, which is called “El Sagha” means Jewelry Manufacturing.

The number of workshops working in El Sagha ranges from 4500 – 5000 workshops manufacture

jewelry either the old fashion attributed to the ancient Egyptians or the modern one inspired from

the French style and the international styles. During the last few years huge factories initiated

projects as gems and jewelry manufacturing in Egypt leading to creating a fierce competition in the

jewelry market and to put the small workshops in front of a great challenge. They’ve started one

following the other to amount to around 6-10 factories concentrated in the new communities such as

El Obour City, 6th

of October City, 10th

of Ramadan City.

Number of Labour

Number of labour is dependent mainly on the size of factory or workshop, for example for the big

factories the number of labour amounts to 100 or a little bit above, and for the workshops labour

ranges from 5-10 workers according to the size of the workshop.

Production Mechanism:

Manufacturing of gems and jewelry in Egypt has been governed mainly by small workshops

concentrated in the old city, El Moski, Cairo, which is called “El Sagha” means Jewelry Manufacturing.

The number of workshops working in El Sagha ranges from 4500-5000 workshops manufacture

jewelry either the old fashion attributed to the ancient Egyptians or the modern one inspired from

the French style and the international styles.

During the last few year huge factories initiated projects as gems and jewelry manufacturing in Egypt

leading to creating a fierce competition in the jewelry market and to put the small workshops in front

of a great challenge. They’ve started one following the other to amount to around 6-10 factories

concentrated in the new communities such as El Obour City, 6th

of October City, 10th

of Ramadan City.


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Imports in US$

2013

Imports in US$

2012

Thailand World Thailand World

72,145 969,662,125 25,936 55,557,722

4. Import-Export Volume:

Imports by value:

Egypt is characterized with a

distinguished consumption of gems

and jewelry, and their current

custom dates back to the ancient

Egyptians since a very long time.

Egyptian imports of gems and jewelry have reached US$ in 2013 969,662,125 from all over the world

and US$ 72,145 from Thailand with a remarkable increase for the world imports of 2012 where they

have been US$ 55,557,722 as well as for Thailand imports where they have been US$ 25,936 in 2012.

That means Egyptian imports in 2013 have surpassed its corresponding imports in 2012 with a ratio of

1,645.32% approximately for the world imports and Thailand imports in 2013 have surpassed its

corresponding imports in 2012 with a ratio of 1.78% approximately.

The following tables show major imported products of gems and jewelry by Egypt in 2011 – 2013 and

2014 (Jan. – Apr) and it is evident that Egypt imports most of its requirements of gems and jewelry,

where on the contrary it most of its exports are from base metals.

Egypt Import Statistics

Commodity: 71, Natural Or Cultured Pearls, Precious Or Semiprecious Stones, Precious Metals; Precious Metal Clad Metals,

Articles Thereof; Imitation Jewelry; Coin

United States Dollars % Share % Change

Partner Country 2011 2012 2013

2014

(Jan-Apr) 2011 2012 2013 2013/2012

World 92,611,893 55,557,722 969,662,125 678,603,267 100.00 100.00 100.00 1,645.32

Switzerland 12,846,685 3,837,110 560,275,569 399,470,418 13.87 6.91 57.78 14,501.50

U.A.E 15,681,147 29,189,588 286,355,258 204,698,585 16.93 52.54 29.53 881.02

Germany 4,960,304 3,148,942 37,362,002 30,406,611 5.36 5.67 3.85 1,086.49

China 7,140,725 8,883,509 34,811,222 22,296,846 7.71 15.99 3.59 291.86

United Kingdom 15,096,164 1,377,062 26,509,789 16,532,882 16.30 2.48 2.73 1,825.10

Hong Kong 833,898 1,063,319 17,465,549 1,253,585 0.90 1.91 1.80 1,542.55

Italy 1,711,729 1,447,558 1,898,741 1,246,146 1.85 2.61 0.20 31.17

Saudi Arabia 131,781 631 1,466,357 912,385 0.14 0.00 0.15 232,286.21

France 327,574 272,954 1,259,000 533,351 0.35 0.49 0.13 361.25

Turkey 244,186 180,321 532,000 265,185 0.26 0.32 0.05 195.03

Spain 284,264 273,571 414,456 259,943 0.31 0.49 0.04 51.50

Korea South 84,278 317,154 361,456 230,691 0.09 0.57 0.04 13.97

United States 14,439,834 280,685 293,478 114,687 15.59 0.51 0.03 4.56

India 597,397 255,311 175,859 89,831 0.65 0.46 0.02 -31.12

Syria 16,871 11,505 158,423 72,594 0.02 0.02 0.02 1,276.99

Thailand 359,046 25,936 72,145 46,625 0.39 0.05 0.01 178.17

Austria 1,922 0 48,478 43,351 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

Poland 0 60,187 43,010 21,805 0.00 0.11 0.00 -28.54

Korea North 110,783 0 22,450 19,704 0.12 0.00 0.00 0

Singapore 19,614 14,235 20,000 15,447 0.02 0.03 0.00 40.50

Source of Data: Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics


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Export

Egyptian Exports of gems and jewelry has reached US$ 1,320,811,972 In 2013 with a remarkable

decrease as it was US$ 1,720,105,825 in 2012 with a drop of around 23.21%. Exploring new markets

and relieving some restrictions related to the exports of such products in addition to amending some

regulations and policies governing them within the framework of state policy of economy reform

started in 2013 and the country’s concern to improve their exports were all the reasons behind the

enormous leap in Egyptian exports in 2012. It worth mentioning that in 2013 several new markets

have been emerged for the Egyptian gems and jewelry markets.

Exports by Value

Egypt Export Statistics

Commodity: 71, Natural Or Cultured Pearls, Precious Or Semiprecious Stones, Precious Metals; Precious Metal Clad Metals,

Articles Thereof; Imitation Jewelry; Coin

United States Dollars % Share % Change Partner

Country 2011 2012 2013 2014

(Jan-Apr) 2010 2011 2012 2013/2012

World 1,046,105,592 1,720,105,825 1,320,811,972 764,841,048 100.00 100.00 100.00 - 23.21

South Africa 343,977,941 932,969,385 466,459,096 333,111,162 32.88 54.24 35.32 - 50.00

Lebanon 39,970,853 415,180,998 374,560,421 250,858,020 3.82 24.14 28.36 - 9.78

Switzerland 376,651,911 239,115,655 318,630,361 75,187,184 36.01 13.90 24.12 33.25

Canada 87,519,923 6,082 84,632,367 73,829,310 8.37 0.00 6.41 ∞

U.A.E. 110,773,663 112,364,363 36,803,934 16,705,552 10.59 6.53 2.79 - 67.25

Saudi Arabia 34,892,209 14,385,847 17,034,140 11,522,450 3.34 0.84 1.29 18.41

Turkey 38,290 4,441,082 16,728,640 2,574,810 0.00 0.26 1.27 276.68

U.K. 49,642 61,229 3,703,421 344,496 0.00 0.00 0.28 5948.50

India 7,975 3,956 1,009,387 107,766 0.00 0.00 0.08 ∞

U.S.A 1,599,133 319,960 246,347 99,430 0.15 0.02 0.02 - 23.01

Germany 180,725 154,975 196,540 73,057 0.02 0.01 0.01 26.82

Jordan 48,415,623 146,522 192,116 71,492 4.63 0.01 0.01 31.12

Qatar 63,288 29,561 122,111 48,103 0.01 0.00 0.01 313.09

Japan 4,799 268,174 75,446 47,643 0.00 0.02 0.01 - 71.87

Morocco 30,028 270,829 57,538 44,847 0.00 0.02 0.00 - 78.75

Italy 30,458 51,217 55,805 43,580 0.00 0.00 0.00 8.96

France 1,311,062 36,566 54,409 28,995 0.13 0.00 0.00 48.80

Kuwait 77,437 53,243 45,916 21,310 0.01 0.00 0.00 - 13.76

Australia 27,498 29,051 39,589 13,060 0.00 0.00 0.00 36.27

Oman 5,714 6,081 21,491 11,273 0.00 0.00 0.00 253.39

Source of Data: Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics


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6. Supply-demand side:

On the demand sided, with 82 million citizens, Egypt is the most populous country in the Middle East.

It’s not yet a truly market economy but under the current government’s business-minded and

globally-aware Minister of Trade and Industry new opportunities are emerging for suppliers from

Asia, particularly such countries as Thailand, Hong Kong and others gems & jewelry trade centers

overseas.

On the supply side, Thailand with its sophisticated gems and jewelry industry directed mainly to

upscale markets with high-end technologies would find it even more easier to penetrate the Egyptian

markets with such products as shirts especially for gems and jewelry.

7. Trend of Consumption:

Categories of gems and jewelry in Egypt vary widely from the old design to the class one. Such variety

has come to reflect the different tastes for consumers along with their level represented by their

purchasing power.

In Egypt and in adherence with the Islamic teachings, it is entirely prohibited for men to wear god

items, subsequently using gold jewelries is restricted only to the Muslim women and for the other

religions either males or females can use the gold, considering that Islam represents around 94% of

the total population.

For the consumers of the medium level and under, they’ve started to impose strict disciplines on the

purchasing of jewelries due to the soaring prices during the last period where prices of jewelries have

been doubled or more.

For the consumers of the high level and above, they’ve started to find substitute for the gold jewelries

in the form of diamonds in the aftermaths of hiking prices of gold jewelries which attributed to

making their prices close to the diamonds prices which were a dream of every consumer.

For the national consumers they prefer the stylish design and French one especially if produced from

diamonds, pearls and other precious stones and that is applicable only to the high-standard stratum

of population. The low-standard stratum of population tends to acquire the durable jewelries made

up of gold and silver.

8. Market Condition

The prices of gold jewelries in Egypt could be summarized as follows:

- 24-carat gold has amounted to 323.86 LE ($53.26) per gram.


- 21-carat gold has amounted to 283.40 LE ($46.62) per gram




- 1 ounce of gold has amounted to 10169.35 LE ($1670.20).

- 1 gold pound has amounted to 2267.2 LE ($372.96).

- 1 kilogram of gold has amounted to 326944.5 ($53696.93).

The prices of silver in Egypt could be summarized as follows:

- 1 Ounce of silver amounted to 186.79 LE ($30.87).

- 99.9 carat (pure silver) has amounted to 6.00 LE per gram.

- 95.8 carat (British silver) has amounted to 5.75 LE per gram.

- 92.50 carat (Australian silver) has amounted to 5.56 LE per gram.

- 90 carat (coin silver) has amounted to 5.41 LE. per gram.

- 80 carat (jewelry silver) has amounted to 4.80 LE per gram.


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Egypt has always been famous for gold. The skin of the ancient god was said to have been made of

gold, and so it was frequently used for making statues, but it was also used to gild various items,

sometimes including entire building elements and of course, to make jewelry. Also, as a compound

together with silver, it produced electrum which was often used, for example, to cap obelisks. Though

Egypt had few of its own gold mines, gold was one of the reasons that Egypt maintained such an

interest in Nubia over many thousands of years, it seems, had an abundance of gold resources.

Today, Egyptians continue to prize gold, as on might suppose by the sheer number of jewelers

showcasing vast quantities of jewelry made from the precious metal. Tourists cannot help but notice

this, as they wander about the tourist markets such as the Kan el-Khalili, as they will encounter many

stores full of golden trinkets. Indeed, while gold tends to maintain a somewhat steady price

throughout the world, there are sometimes even bargains to be found for gold jewelry in Egypt.

Specifically, the price of working the gold into jewelry by Egyptian artisans is usually less expensive in

Egypt than, for example, the US and many European countries, even though Egyptian jewelers are

very good at this.

Also because raw gold has such a fixed price, items made from gold are usually relatively expensive

for Egyptians in comparison to other goods that they buy. However, they are compelled to buy gold

for special occasions and as gifts for their loved ones, but because of its relative cost, the markup for

Eye of Horus Pendant - 18K

Price: $67.00

Ankh Pendant - 18K

Size: 1 1/2" long X 1/2" wide Price: $63.00

Lapis Scarab Pendant - 18K

Size: 1"H Price: $106.00

Sterling Silver Scarab Pendant Price: $18.00

Silver Queen Nefertiti Pendant

Price: $18.00

Sterling Silver Pyramid Pendant

Price: $10.50

Silver King TUT Price: $14.50


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retail may sometimes be slimmer than in other regions of the world. Hence, knowing where Egyptians

buy their gold jewelry can be a real advantage to tourists.

When tourists come to Egypt, they usually shop where their tour guides lead them. These places

include different shops around the area of the pyramids in Haram and the famous Khan el-Khalili

market in the area of Hussein. Though one might find good souvenirs, they are not the best places to

buy regular gold jewelry.

Recently, two general locations have been explored where Egyptians frequently purchase their gold

jewelry. One is not far from the Khan el-Khalili market, called El Sagha, which can be translated as

“gold shops” in Arabic, while the other is in Heliopolis at a place called Game’ Square. Also a few

shops in Zamalek have been explored, where very upscale jewelry is sold. One may also note that the

way gold is sold in these locations varies.

Anyone who has purchased gold in the Khan el-Khalili knows that merchants there typically price their

items according to its weight, specifically, the number of grams. Of course, these prices vary according

to the color, either gold or white, and the measure of purity (carats). That is the same way that gold is

sold at Game’s, but at El Sagha, the price is made up a compound amount consisting of the item’s

weight plus a fee which is added on for its design. The price per gram can vary from store to store by

a few Egyptian pounds. Note also that the price of gold can vary over time.

There are some of the best stores in El Sagha district:

Hedeya, which displays a grand selection of gold items including earnings and necklaces, though it is

perhaps best known for its bracelets.

Hedeya sells mostly Egyptian gold colored either gold or white. A gram of 18-carat gold, on this date,

costs 200 Egyptian Pounds (LE), while a gram of 21-carat gold, which is of course more pure, sells for

220 LE. 18-carat white gold sells for 251 LE per gram, while 21-carat white gold sells for 223 LE.

However, as mentioned above, theses prices do not include the actual design, or manufacturing of

the item; taking the raw gold and making it into jewelry. According to the owner of Hedeya, it is much

more difficult to provide any solid rules on such pricing, but in general, one of the factors that has

made gold jewelry in Egypt an attractive item for tourists is that this workmanship, even though finely

done, is much less than in most western countries. However, this shop has a good collection of gold

bracelets within the price range of 4,000 to 6,000 LE, with very heavy necklaces costing between

5,000 and 7,000 LE.

Belal Nagaty, which on this particular date charged precisely one pound less for both 18 and 21 carat

yellow gold. This store seems to be best known for its well designed rings, which typically range in

price from 2,500 to 3,500 LE. Down the street, we found the Tazi shop, which actually has two outlets

in El Sagha. Their prices per gram of gold mirror those of the Hedeya shop, but the owner offered a

few interesting details. Specifically, he said that it was important to obtain a stamped, details receipt

from any shop where gold jewelry is purchased, providing information such as the weight, and the

price of the manufacturing and the details of the time itself. In addition to Egyptian pieces, this shop

also sells Italian Lazordi gold jewelry, sometimes at rather surprising prices.

Most tourists like the more simple designs, especially the rings. He showed me a classic ring with the

flower shape in 21-carat white gold for 2950 pounds. We also found a good collection of white gold

bracelets that range from 4,000 to 6,000 LE. Here, we also found colorful 18 carat yellow gold

bracelets for 3.000 LE and a 21-carat white gold cross for 2,400 LE. This shop carries a wide variety of

earnings ranging in price from 600 to 3,000 Egyptian pounds, according to the weight and design.

The Hussein Badr Shop in Sagha, is famous for its especially large white and yellow gold bracelets.

There prices are mostly the same as the other shops, with items ranging between 4,000 and 10,000

LE. Here, a number of more expensive bracelets containing diamonds are also available. Tourists will

note that the weight of diamonds is stated in Qirat, from which the western term Carat is derived.


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However, the weight of a one carat diamonds should be the same as that of a one Qirat diamonds,

which is equal to 0.2 grams.

Other reputable jewelers in the district include Farzan, Bolbol Hedaya, and Hamdy Mursi. Many of

these shops carry a large variety of gold and diamonds rings, earnings, bracelets and necklaces.

Perhaps most importantly, one should realize when buying from these shops that, while the price per

gram of gold is usually fixed, one may usually negotiate the price of the design work, which is often

required to obtain the best price. Which raises the obvious question of how much the design work

should cost.

Perhaps this issue can be answered, at least in some part, by visiting to another famous jewelry

district, Game’s Square in Heliopolis. Here, there are more than 20 shops which, in general, sell their

gold jewelry according to gram w eight along. In other words, there is no additional charge for the

design work. At the same time, one must keep in mind that this square, near Korba beside Beirut

Street, caters more to an upscale market, and their jewelry inventories frequently meet a somewhat

higher standard than those in El Sagha.

Of the variety of gold jewelry shops in this location such as the Sameh Samy Gold Store and the

Amira Gold Store, the largest is perhaps Yasin Elish. Here, one finds a grand selection of all sorts of

gold jewelry, much of which is adorned with diamonds. All of the items meet a very high standard of

design. Here, Egyptian designed jewelry in 18-carat yellow gold sells for between235 Egyptian

pounds, depending on the complexity of the design, and 21-carat yellow gold items normally sell for

about 243 LE. Interestingly, 21-carat white gold sells for the same price as yellow gold.

Form this information, we might summarize that the manufacturing price added to the gram cost in

the El Sagha district should probably be no more than about 25 to 30 LE for 18-carat items, and no

more than around 25 to 31 LE for 21-carat items.

At Yasin Elish, there are several wonderful items, including an amazing yellow gold bracelets for 6,000

LE, and a much higher, though more complex one for 2,000 LE. Some of their gold jewelry is branded

and may bring higher prices. There is a white gold Bullegery brand ring, which was popular with

tourists, that cost about 4,000 LE, and there are Bullegery bracelets that range from 5,000 to 6,000 LE.

One may also find a good selection of gold bracelets with Islamic design that range from about 4,000

to 6,000 LE, depending on their weight and design.

At Yasin Elish, here it is the prices of diamonds. The purist diamonds sold are rated as H VVSI, a very

high standard costing about 34 thousand Egyptian poiunds for one qirat (carat). A one qirat diamond

rated as H VVS2 will sell for about 50 thousand Egyptian pounds.

There are also a fantastic collection of white and yellow earnings that are sometimes complex, and

sometimes simple. They have all sorts of necklaces with and without diamonds, rings, crosses, and

various charms and pendants. It has one of the best variety of gold items in Gam’s Square.

There is also the Ehab Mounir Store in Game’s Squre, which has a similarly large collection of gold

items. For imported jewelry, the line of Lazordi gold, often in 24 carat, is sold for 312 LE per gram.

There are also other brands of Italian gold that are sold in a range from 322 to 332 Egyptian pounds

per gram, but the Swiss gold is some of the purest and most valuable and that those lines sell for

about 233 Egyptian pounds per gram. Ehab Mounir is famous for his collection of yellow gold

bracelets that range from 4,000 to 8,000 LE.

Nearby is a shop called Geneva, which displayed the nicest rings found in Game’ Square. The white

gold bands can be as high as 330 LE per gram because of their intricate and unique designs. This shop

also had a wide variety of yellow gold bracelets that are much simpler and yet more beautiful than

the ones found in the El Sagha district.


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One shop in Game’ Square had a completely different style, it seems, than all the others, catering to

buyers seeking very upscale and unique pieces of jewelry. This is the chain that originated in the UAE

in 1907 and that grew into an international fashion jewelry network, known as Damas. Though rather

expensive, they display a marvelous collection of jewelry. However, much of it is foreign made, which

might defeat the purpose of buying gold jewelry in Egypt for tourists. A brand name such as Laurentia

sells for 340 LE per gram, while Roberto Cento costs 321 LE per gram. One may like their white gold

rings with small diamonds that sell for between 12 and 44 thousand Egyptian pounds. They also carry

a wide selection of chains, bracelets and necklaces in very unique designs.

White the El Sagha district and Game’ Square are well know among Egyptians for their gold jewelry,

good stores are not limited to these areas, as most neighborhoods have at least two or three jewelry

shops. Notably, Zamalek, known for its upscale neighborhoods, has several well known shops,

particularly along Hassan Sabry Street. Here, a shop called Refaat specializes in yellow gold jewelry,

with prices similar to those in the major gold centers. Along with a good selection of necklaces and

bracelets, like many neighborhood shops, they also cater to local newlyweds with a good collection of

engagement rings. On the other side of the same street is Bon Gout Jewelry, which specializes mainly

in gold that contains diamonds. Opened in 1979, it is considered one of the best places to buy gold

with diamonds, ranging in price from 44 thousand to 66 thousand Egyptian pounds for one Qirat,

according to the purity. The shop offers a vast collection of beautiful earnings, rings and bracelets.

Of course, there are many other jewelry shops in this great city of Cairo, with well known shops in

such upscale neighborhoods of Mohandeseen and Maadi. However, for tourists, a visit to one of the

jewelry centers such as El Sagha or Game’ Squre will probably be easiest. There shops are very

reliable, but in the final analysis, one should note that Game’ Square has, perhaps, a reputation for

more upscale jewelry at a good price, the El-Sagha district is known for some of the best pricing. In

any event, Egypt is a great place to pick up some good, bargain gold jewelry while enjoying a tour a

lifetime.

The easiest way to compare bargains in Egypt is to analyze the prices, which are fairly fixed, for gold

jewelry in Game’ Square. There, a typical price for 18-carat gold jewelry costs, between 250 and 270

LE per gram. Keeping it simple, this translates into 20.18 to 21.81 USD per gram for 18-carat gold

jewelry, or around 22.15 USD for 21-carat yellow jewelry. The pure gold is selling on the markets at

813.90 USD per troy ounce. One troy ounce is equal to 31.1034807 grams, or 28.7373 USD per gram.

Now for example, 18-carat gold is actually 18/24 pure gold, meaning that it is three quarters pure. It is

often marked 750, meaning that it is 75% pure gold. Hence, the price for raw 18 carat gold on the

market should theoretically sell for 18.80 USD per gram. Of course, in retail jewelry stores, it does not.

Keep in mind that this is raw gold with no design factor included, and that 18-carat gold jewelry, for

whatever reason, is selling under this amount as of this writing.


12

Queen Nefertiti Pendant - 18K

Sale Price: $64.00

Scarab Pendant - 18K

Price: $157.00

Ankh Earring - 18K Price: $72.00

Lapis Queen Nefertiti - 18K Price: $106.00

18K Gold Rope chain - 18"

Price: $102.00 18K Gold Rope chain - 20"

Price: $116.00 Top of Form Bottom of For18K Gold Rope chain -

24" Price: $136.00

Pyramid Pendant - 18K

Price: $59.00

Lapis King TUT - 18K

Price: $106.00

Sterling silver Eye of Horus

Pendant Price: $7.50

Silver Ankh Pendant

Price: $7.95

Sterling Silver Ankh Earrings

Price: $12.50

Lapis & Silver Scarab Pendant

Price: $14.50

Sterling Silver Rope chain - 18" Price: $18.00




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9. Distribution Channels:

The jewelries workshop in El Sagha, Khan el-Khalili have their own outlets of distribution in

the same area. Most of jewelries shops are concentrated in Khan el-Khalili where wholesaler price

could be obtained and bargains could be stroke.

Also jewelries shops are existent all over Egypt everywhere in the form of small shops

dealing with the final consumer within the framework of the controlled retail prices.

Big factories prefer to create their own distribution channels by establishing their own shops

and also as a part of their policy and strategy to expand their business volume they tend also to

distribute their production to the other outlets either in El Sagha or the shops scattered here and

there.

Normal distribution channels are adopted in the Egyptian community for such procedures as

products are imported and distributed as following:

- Form importers to the wholesalers who forward them to the retailers – merchandisers

or shops- who sell them to the final consumers.

- From importers who have their own shops in which they display their products for

wholesalers, retailers and final consumers, such as MM group.

- From importers to the wholesalers who have their own shops in which they display the

products for retailers and final consumers.

- From wholesalers to the sellers scattered around in the open and popular markets

especially for the low-class products to sell to the final consumers immediately such as

Attaba and Moski markets.

In order to increase their business volume the big factories adopt specific promotion plans in the form

of giveaways, quantity discounts, cash discounts, promotion activities and others for the wholesalers

and importers. The small shops in turn adopt a similar promotion plans to increase their business

volume especially after consumer flinched from purchasing jewelries in the same level due to the high

prices.

10. Marketing

Databases for gems and jewelry industries are available with the concerned government authorities.

The Chamber of Gold, subordinate of Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI) provides the concerned

manufacturers, importers or others with all the information necessary in such industry. Moreover the

Commercial Representation launches introductory promotion campaigns in the foreign countries to

introduce the Egyptian production to the outside world.

11. Consumer Behavior:

In Egypt and in adherence with the Islamic teachings, it is entirely prohibited for men to wear gold

items, subsequently using gold jewelries is restricted only to the Muslim women and for the other

religions either males or females can use the gold, considering that Islam represents around 94% of

the total population.

For the consumers of the medium level and under, they’ve started to impose strict disciplines on the

purchasing of jewelries due to the soaring prices during the last period where prices of jewelries have

been doubled or more.

For the consumers of the high level and above, they’ve started to find substitute for the gold jewelries

in the form of diamonds in the aftermaths of hiking prices of gold jewelries which attributed to

making their prices close to the diamonds prices which were a dream of every consumer.


14

12. Import Procedures & Regulations

The same regulations applied to the other products imported or exported to and from Egypt are

applicable for gems and jewelry. Also the same certificates required are applicable. No special

regulations for gems and jewelry either for import or export. For gems and jewelry inspection

certificate should be issued by the Department of Stamps and Weights after examining them.

Tax system for import and export

Customs duties for gems and jewelry ranges from 5-40% plus the 10% sales tax and 4% service

surcharge. For the CIF invoice value, in case where customs officials suspect under-invoicing (under-

evaluation), they usually add from 10 to 30% to the invoice of imports for customs valuation

purposes.

13. Non-tariff Barriers:

There’s no non-tariff barriers for gems and jewelry in Egypt except abiding by the requested

specifications and regulations.

14. Industry Promotion & Development from Government & Private Sector:

The Egyptian government keen enough to support the gems & jewelry industry in Egypt and they

provide the operating companies and factories in this field with all of what they might need in terms

of consultations, researches and directions if necessary. Specialized exhibitions organized in Egypt and

abroad for the gems and jewelry are used to be one obvious aspect of the activities launched specially

to enhance this industry.

15. Trend of Industry

As indicated industry of gems and jewelry in Egypt has many shapes governed by the general insider

taste and the outer demand. It ranges from the old style to the modern class style. Most of the

manufacturers are concentrated in one district of Cairo called Khan El Khalili provided with all the

necessary utilities required for the operating workshops overthere.

16. List of Importers

1. El-Lakkani

Mr.Amro M. El Lakkani - Chairman

43, Abdel Khalek Sarwat St., Cairo

Tel : (202) 23916660 Fax : (202) 23928096

E-mail : [email protected]

2. INTL. Royal Gems

Mr.Nagui Shawky - Chairman

45, Abdel Khalek Sarwat St., Cairo

Tel : (202) 23937915 Fax : (202) 25914805


3. Aminco

Mr.Sabry Amin : Chairman

40 Mosadak st., Dokki Giza, Egypt.

Tel : (202) 33385079 Fax : (202) 33363535


4. Awlad Nagaty Jewelry

Mr.Pelal Nagaty

60,90 El Sagha St., El Mosky , Cairo

Tel & Fax : (202) 25887785

Product : Gems & Jewelry

5. Talaat Sergany Bijouttier

Mr. Talaat El Sergany : Chairman

5 A, El Lselky St., New Maadi, Cairo.

Tel: (202) 25169055 Fax : (202) 25169188


6. Mohamed Kazem Jewelry

Mohamed Kazem

15, Abdel Rahman El Rafee St., Mohandessin, Giza

Tel : (202) 33378828 Fax : (202) 34538025

E-mail: [email protected]


15

7. San Gorg Import & Export

Mr.Magdy Wadia General Manager

59, El Horia St., El- Mataria, Cairo.

Tel & Fax : (202) 22501392

Mobile (20122) 3157398


8. Diamon Inn

Mohamed H.Abou El Soud : Chairman

43, Abd El Khalek Sarwat St., Cairo.

Tel : (202) 23912158 Fax : (202) 29315980

9. Azza Fahmy Jewelry

Mrs. Azza Fahmy : Chairman

20, Hussein Wassef St., Dokki Giza ,

Tel : (202) 38327122-3-4


10. Joseph F. Botros Jewelry

Mr. Joseph Botros - Chairman

16, El Makasis St., El Sagha, El Gamalia, Cairo

Tel : (202) 22416544 Fax : (202) 22417873


11. Robeir Makram Co.

Mr.Robeir Makram - Chairman

El Bab El Talet El Sagha, Cairo

Tel : (202) 25927440-2592216

Fax : (202) 25905521

12. Al Agati silver Co.

Mr. Mokhtar - Chairman

Add: 20, Fini St., Dokki, Cairo Egypt

Tel : (202) 33351066 Fax : (202)33359769

13. Arabian Trading Co.

18, El Khalifa El Mamoun St., Heliopolis , Cairo

Tel : (202) 24501901-2

Fax : (202) 24501903

14. East Trading Corporation

Contact Person : Mr.Omar Tawfik

54, Dr.Ahmad Zaki st., El Gadida , Cairo

Tel : (202) 22975215-22975225-22975235

Fax : (202) 22999444

15. Hassan Abdel Salam

106, El Nile St., Dokki Giza , Cairo Egypt

Tel : (202) 37499119-37499129

Fax : (202) 33360078

16. Hassan Elaish Jewelry

8, Seket El Badesteen , Khan El Khalili, Cairo

Tel : (202) 25901462-25927205

Fax : (202) 25901462-25927205

17. Jewelry Ali Khorrossany

78, El Nile St., Aboul Fotouh Buld. Giza, Cairo

Tel : (202) 33383118

Fax : (202) 35246201

18. Refaat Jewelry

7, Zamalek Club Shop 19 Center, Egypt

Tel : (202) 23470730

Fax : (202) 23042343

19. Wadi El Neel Int’l Exp. & Imp.

Mr. Mohamed Hefni : Chairman 380, Cornich El Neel,

st., F 8 Apt.5 Gahowaret El Maadi Tower, Cairo

Tel : (202) 25256617 Fax : (202) 25272322


20. Salah Abdel Hady jewelry

Zamalek Club, Gamet El Dowal El Arabia St.,

Mohandessin, Giza

Tel : (202) 33471050-33465641

Fax : (202) 33029415

21. Friend Export & Import

Mr. Yasser El Sharawy : Chairman

80, Moez El Dowla St., Makram Ebid, Nasr City, Cairo

Tel : (202) 22748261 Fax : (202) 24053170


22. New Star Tours

Ms. Marian Magdy : Tour Operator 71, Gameat El

Dewal El Arabia St, Mohandessin, Giza,

Tel : (202) 37610926, 33362604

Fax : (202) 33386327


Website: www.new-star-tours.com

23. Samir Nasief Meniawy

Mr. Samir Nasif : Manager

6, Souk El Sayaref El Saghir El Sagha, Gamalia, Cairo

Tel & Fax : (202) 25916630

E-mail [email protected]

24. Milano Office Import & Export

Mr. Magdy Naguib Karas : Manager

17, 18, Kasr El Shook St, Cairo.

Tel : (202) 22677826 Fax : (202) 25897635



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25. Tiba Import & Export

Mr. Abd El Raheem - Manager

17, Mohamed Tawfik Wahpy St, Nasr City, Cairo.

Tel : (202) 22741119, (20100) 5057379

Fax : (202) 22744207

26. Hassan Hadad Jewelry

Mr. Hassan Hadad : Manager

83, El Manial St, Cairo, Egypt

Tel : (202) 33645444 Fax: (202) 35318516

27. Nasr Abdel Aziz Ibrahim

Mr. Nasr Abdel Aziz: Manager

12, El Seel St, Heliopolis, Cairo

Tel : (202) 24521884 Fax: (202) 25934070

28. 3M For Import

Mr. Maycel Rafar John : Manager

Tel: (202) 26742766 (20122) 2426808

Fax: (202) 26742766


29. Bon Marché

Mr. Mostafa Refaat : Chairman

5, Kaboul St, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt

Tel:(2010) 26112211 - 22747728

Fax: (202) 22750673


30. Nile Group For Trade Investment

Mr. Amr El Tahawy - Managing Director 38, Al Nasr

St, Maadi Teba Center, New Maadi, Cairo

Tel : (202) 25200770, 25200790

Fax: (202) 25200780


17. List of Gems & Jewelry organization or Association:

Department of Gold

Chamber of Metallurgical Industries

Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI)

Eng. Rafae Abbass – Chairman

1195 Cornish El Nile – Cairo

Te.: (202) 25939588 Fax: (202) 25937297

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