Exhibition proves why diamonds are forever

A collection of 50 designer diamond pieces, submitted for the prestigious Antwerp Diamond High Council Awards, will be unveiled tonight at the launch of Sterling Jewellers' exhibition.

Entitled '03', the exhibition is being held at Le Meridien Phoenicia Hotel, Floriana until November 30 and showcases a collection of diamonds, precious stones, unique jewellery and watches.

Sterling Jewellers' chairman Alfred Fenech said the Antwerp competition was open to international participants so the Maltese public could see this priceless diamond collection created by some of the best creative artists in the world.

The exhibition will also include a workshop where imaginative members of the public can choose from an array of loose diamonds to create their own original piece.

Mr Fenech said the diamonds could be mounted there and then in the workshop according to individual tastes.

"We have chosen to call the exhibition '03' as an extension of our recent diamond trilogy campaign - which for those who are romantic at heart translates to: a diamond to say 'I Loved You'; one to say 'I Love You', and another to proclaim "I Will Love You Forever'," he said.

Those visiting the exhibition, under the patronage of Violet de Marco and in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund, have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win a diamond trilogy pendant.

Venice's master in the art of Murano glassblowing, Elio Quarisa, has flown over for the exhibition and will be present for 10 days with his creations.

Sterling is also promoting the concept of a Right Hand Diamond Ring, which signifies the strength, success and independence of women of the 21st century.

Sterling, which has 23 outlets across Malta and Gozo, has been organising this exhibition since 1995, but took a two-year break.

Whoever spends Lm500 will automatically receive a one-day return ticket to London on an Air Malta flight; while those who spend Lm1,500 will be rewarded with a one-week trip to Dubai, which includes flight and accommodation.

Those who spend Lm100 on an Armani product will receive an Armani perfume, while a Gucci perfume will go to those who buy a watch of the same brand.

The exhibition is open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on November 20-21; and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from November 22 to November 30.