Diamonds shine bright at Expo

What's shinning the brightest at the Expo 2010 Shanghai? The answer, to most women at least, is definitely diamonds.

For those who just adore these precious jewels, Belgium-EU Pavilion's Love Diamond Antwerp Diamond Heritage section is a must see.

Located on the first floor of the pavilion, next to the delectable chocolate showroom (another must try at the Expo), the section showcases dozens of pieces of diamond jewelry created by Chow Sang Sang, a Hong Kong-based jewelry retailer and the pavilion's official diamond partner.

As the display is invariably surrounded by dozens of visitors, you may not have access to all the collection, but there are two pieces you should not miss.

The most outstanding piece in the collection is a necklace and earrings worth 6 million yuan ($880,000), which is inspired by the Garland style of the 19th century. The necklace is set with 650 diamonds weighing 70 carats. The elegant line and sophisticated details of the jewelry would make any woman want to try it on. But unfortunately, security guards especially employed for the exhibition are just one step away.

Another masterpiece on show is also inspired by 19th-century art. There are 1,095 diamonds in this necklace, weighing 65.61 carats. It is less complicated, but still an interesting interpretation of 19th aesthetics in the modern times.

China Daily

(China Daily 05/21/2010 page34)