We have discovered the Gold Souq, made up of many stalls and shops, and virtually tonnes of gold. There is an abundance of 18 and 22 carat gold chains, bangles, earrings and 
necklaces. Quite a lot of it is beautifully handcrafted by skilled craftsmen, some of whom work on site. Gold is the choice in traditional bridal jewellery bought by young Qatari grooms for their brides-to-be. The designs are usually ornate and opulent, nothing subtle or 
surreptitious here. Qatari ladies appear to love large, long necklaces heavy with gold; or cluster diamonds - the more the merrier. You can even find tiaras and belts of gold. The price of gold is set according to the weight of the gold on that day's stock market price, and whether the item is handmade or not.
necklaces. Quite a lot of it is beautifully handcrafted by skilled craftsmen, some of whom work on site. Gold is the choice in traditional bridal jewellery bought by young Qatari grooms for their brides-to-be. The designs are usually ornate and opulent, nothing subtle or 
surreptitious here. Qatari ladies appear to love large, long necklaces heavy with gold; or cluster diamonds - the more the merrier. You can even find tiaras and belts of gold. The price of gold is set according to the weight of the gold on that day's stock market price, and whether the item is handmade or not. There is also quite a strong pearl market - once upon a time the mainstay of Qatar's economy. Nowadays, most pearls are cultured and come from Japan or China. Apparently there are still some original pearls to be seen here that were brought up from the ocean bed by pearl divers.
It was a fun evening walking from store to store, being beckoned into every one of them by an owner wanting you to buy from him, and only too happy to show off his most expensive and wondrous wares.
Ahh well, no harm in looking is there?
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