JEDDAH: The fourth annual jewelry design competition at the “Nation of Gold” exhibition has announced its winners in Jeddah. Boasting the theme “Poems from My Country,” the judges picked the winners in both professional and amateur categories after more than 100 entrants took part. Models strutted across the runway to showcase the jewelry designed by the participants.  Designers were encouraged to base their work on poetic verses and literature in celebration of the “Year of Arab Poetry 2023.” Raja Moumina, the director of the Future Institute of Higher Education and Training, established the awards to encourage excellence and creativity among emerging Saudis and non-Saudis designing jewelry. She told Arab News: “For those looking to break into the industry, the awards present an opportunity (for participants) to showcase their work in front of a panel of experienced jewelry specialists. “Through offering interactive mentoring and communication with leading jewelry designers, the … awards provide aspiring individuals with the professional development needed to turn their hobbies into careers.” Jeddah-based Saudi jewelry designer Dr. Haneen Ahmed Khoja was the winner in the professional category, and said: “I was extremely proud to participate in the competition and this was the first time my work had been inspired by an Arabic poem, which I thought was an excellent idea.” Winner of the amateur category was Sara Abu Radi, who said: “I started as an artist but my passion for designing led me to create my own work and here I am now working and doing what I like to do.”