Stress on elegance in Timeless exhibition

A spectacular Kataklò show kicked off Diamonds International's sixth Timeless jewellery exhibition at the 1,200-square-metre Grand Master's Suite at Hilton's Portomaso last night.

About 172 showcases have been set up, eyed by around 80 CCTVs and displaying the masterpieces of 32 brands, including items costing up to €500,000, although the overall - and probably astronomical - cost of the jewels in the Portomaso hall could not be disclosed.

One of the main pieces is a handmade Damiani collier of round-cut diamonds to the tune of 40.81 carats and among the valuables are six stunning rings, designed by Diamonds International, sales and marketing director Karl Micallef said. One in particular has a seven-carat diamond and costs Lm34,715 (€80,864).

Mr Micallef said their life story started eight months ago, when the rough stones were purchased from Russia and South Africa. The next step was to have them cut to perfection in Belgium. A jewel was then created round the diamond and the rings came to life in Valenza, Italy.

The theme of the sixth edition of the Timeless exhibition is Elegance In Luxury, Mr Micallef said, explaining the fine point that "not everything that is luxurious is elegant". The brief was to communicate to the customer that luxury is not just about having money and spending it, he said.

Kataklò, the Italian acrobatic dance company of international acclaim, performed at the exhibition last year. But this year's show includes a bigger troupe and has been tailor-made for the event. Kataklò has been working on the choreography, the concept of which has been in the making since February, for almost four months.

The dramatic, 40-minute show is in keeping with the exhibition's theme of icons. Called Icone, it includes clips from films such as Breakfast At Tiffany.

The exhibition is open to the public from today until Sunday between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.