World's rarest diamonds come to Dubai

Dubai - Dubai has grown to become the destination for luxury brands and high-end jewellery enthusiasts

When it comes to high-end jewellery, diamond enthusiasts at the second day of the Dubai Diamond Conference 2017, were treated to the sight of a 163.41-carat flawless diamond set within a necklace, that will soon go under the hammer at a Christie's auction in Geneva.
Unveiled during a press conference, the necklace was created by Swiss jeweller, de Grisogono. Named 'The Art of de Grisogono, Creation 1', the necklace was unveiled in Hong Kong, before setting out on its world tour to London, Dubai, New York, and finally Switzerland, where it will be auctioned at the Geneva Magnificent Jewel Sale on November 14, 2017. The emerald-cut diamond - the largest ever to be presented at auction - is set as the centerpiece in an asymmetrical necklace, enhanced with emeralds and diamonds.
In February 2016, de Grisogono's strategic partner, Nemesis International acquired a 404-carat rough diamond, later termed '4 de Fevereiro' of exceptional quality from the Lulo Mine in Angola which is run by the listed Australian mining company, Lucapa Diamond Company. In May 2016, Nemesis International entrusted de Grisogono with the marketing of the stone and also the responsibility of guiding the cutting and polishing process as part of their ongoing strategic partnership.
The mapping, cleaving, laser-cutting and polishing of the 404-carat rough by experts in New York resulted in a 163.41-carat diamond, later categorised by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), as D colour and flawless.
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) facilitated the acquisition of the rights for the 404-carat rough diamond to de Grisogono, and showcased the diamond at a special event in May last year. Ahmed bin Sulayem, executive chairman of DMCC, together with founder and creative director of de Grisogono, Fawaz Gruosi, had earlier noted that a "lot of beautiful creations" would come out of the rough diamond.
Khaleej Times caught up with Fawaz Gruosi at the event after the unveiling of the necklace, and spoke to him about the diamond's long journey.
"I will be sad to see it go," he said. "But, the important thing that you have to keep in mind is the work that went into this magnificent piece; obviously you have the beautiful diamond, but over 1,700 hours of work went into the creation. In terms of the future, I can only say that a lot of very special things will be happening very soon."
Bin Sulayem also highlighted Dubai's role in the diamond's journey and De Grisogono's decision to showcase the necklace here during its world tour. "In Dubai, we don't just hit targets; we focus on going way beyond that, and that, I think, reflects perfectly in our partnership with De Grisogono. Dubai has grown to become the destination for luxury brands and high-end jewellery enthusiasts and DMCC is delighted to be a part of this growth story."
The second day of the conference also saw Dubai based diamond trading company, Nemesis International, announce the opening of its diamond polishing factory, Almas Diamond Services DMCC, in partnership with Sodiam E.P., the Angolan National Diamond Trading Company. With the new factory, Nemesis International can streamline the processes of high value rough diamonds through facilitating cutting and polishing services locally. With Dubai having become the world's third largest diamond trading center valued at over $14 billion in 2016, the facility will help in elevating the position of the UAE in the global diamond business.
The occasion was marked by De Grisogono showcasing 'The Constellation' an 813-carat uncut diamond valued at around $63 million. The rough diamond is considered to be the most expensive rough diamond in the world.
- rohma@khaleejtimes.com