Shabka Guide: Choosing Bridal Jewellery in the Gulf
Buying guide
A shabka is the jewellery a groom gives his bride around the engagement. What goes into it varies by family and region, but it usually starts with a diamond ring and adds pieces that match it: a necklace and earrings, and sometimes a bracelet. Choose the ring first, then a collection whose necklace and earrings share its design. In 18K gold, our Kheffah set of four pieces totals about AED 19,700 and the Zahra Ring with its earrings and necklace about AED 34,300, prices in November 2026.
Shop the Zahra Ring18K gold · Free delivery in the UAE · Pay in instalments with Tabby or Tamara (UAE and KSA) · Help on WhatsApp
By Lana Al Kamal
Founder and jewellery designer, GIA-trained, Dubai · Updated 13 November 2026
As featured in
Harper's Bazaar ArabiaEmirates WomanGrazia ArabiaJdeed MagazineKey takeaways
- A shabka usually starts with a diamond ring and adds a matching necklace and earrings; what it includes varies by family.
- Choose the ring first, then a collection whose other pieces share its design, so the set reads as one gift.
- Our matching 18K gold sets run from about AED 19,700 (Kheffah, four pieces) to AED 36,000 (Rihaf ring and earrings), November 2026 prices.
What a shabka usually includes
There is no fixed list. Some families give a ring alone, others a full set, and the bride's taste often decides more than tradition does. The most common pieces are:
- A diamond ring: the centre of most shabkas, often worn with a dibla.
- A necklace: a pendant she will wear on the day and afterwards.
- Earrings: usually matching the necklace.
- A bracelet: added when the family wants a fuller set.
Pieces in this guide
Kheffah NecklaceAED 4,300Shop now
Zahra RingAED 8,400Shop now
Classic Round Diamond RingFrom AED 6,000Shop now
Four matching sets in 18K gold
| Set | Pieces | Diamonds | Total (Nov 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kheffah | Necklace, earrings, ring, bracelet | 0.02 ct per piece, with green malachite | AED 19,730 |
| Ward | Necklace (big), earrings, Ward Ring Mini | 0.25 + 0.052 + 0.02 ct, with turquoise enamel | AED 23,200 |
| Zahra | Necklace, earrings, ring | 0.02 + 0.15 + 0.08 ct, with white enamel | AED 34,300 |
| Rihaf | Ring, earrings (18K white gold) | Natural diamonds with blue sapphire, aquamarine and blue topaz | AED 36,000 |
Prices from each product page in November 2026. Zahra, Ward and Kheffah are 18K yellow gold; Rihaf is 18K white gold. Diamond grades where listed: VS clarity, G-H colour.
How to build a shabka around the ring
- Start with the ring. If it is a solitaire, pick the shape and size first: see our engagement ring guide for the UAE and Saudi Arabia. A Classic Round Diamond Ring starts from AED 6,000.
- Match the metal. Keep the necklace and earrings in the same gold colour as the ring, or the set looks like separate gifts.
- Repeat one design idea. A flower (Zahra), a rose (Ward) or a bee (Kheffah) carried across the pieces is what makes a set feel planned.
- Set the budget for the whole set. Decide the total first and then split it; our engagement ring budget guide helps with the ring share.
- Check the ring size early. Our rings come in sizes up to 11, and only the Ward Ring Mini is adjustable.
What to buyKheffah Necklace, AED 4,300A solitaire shabka or a designer set?
A large solitaire puts most of the budget into one stone. A designer set spreads it across pieces she can wear together or apart for years. Some families combine the two: a solitaire ring for the engagement, then a matching necklace and earrings such as Ward for the wedding.
Personal touches
A name or date engraved inside the ring is a quiet way to make the shabka hers. Read our ring engraving ideas, or ask our team on WhatsApp before you order.
Frequently asked questions
What is a shabka?
The jewellery a groom gives his bride around the engagement. It usually includes a diamond ring and often a matching necklace and earrings.
What does a shabka include?
It varies by family. A common set is a diamond ring, a necklace and earrings, sometimes with a bracelet.
How much does a shabka cost?
It depends on the pieces and the ring. Our matching 18K gold sets run from about AED 19,700 to AED 36,000 in November 2026, before a solitaire ring.
Should the shabka match the engagement ring?
It looks best when the metal colour matches and the pieces share one design idea, such as a flower or a bee.
Can a shabka be engraved?
Rings can be engraved inside with a name or date. Engraving is free on our 18K gold diamond rings; our team confirms the text with you after you order.
Not sure which one?
Send our team a photo or a question on WhatsApp and we will help you choose.
WhatsApp our teamKeep reading
Engagement Ring Guide for the UAE and Saudi Arabia
Dibla or Diamond Ring? Choosing Your Engagement and Wedding Ring in 18K GoldHow Much to Spend on an Engagement Ring in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
About Lana Al Kamal
Lana Al Kamal is an architect and jewellery designer who founded her Dubai-based fine jewellery brand in 2018. She studied at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and is a member of the Dubai Chamber jewellery designers group. Most pieces are made in 18K gold.
