All that glitters

Diamonds are called a girl’s best friend, are said to have the power to win over any woman’s heart.

They are called a girl’s best friend. Diamonds are said to have the power to win over any woman’s heart.

Diamonds encrusted in a ring or on a set of earrings is nothing new but now The House of Mouawad, a Saudi Arabia-based company, brings a purse made up of colourful diamonds making it one of the most expensive accessories of all times.

Displayed at the eighth edition of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE), the 1001 Nights Diamond Purse has hit a world record.

The Gulf Times quotes the value of this jewelled purse at $3.8 million and hence the accessory has been named the world’s most expensive clutch in the Guinness World Records.

“We have been thrilled to be a participant this year. It’s our fifth year here and judging by the success of the market, we are planning to open our first permanent store here (Qatar),” said a Mouawad official.

The handbag incorporates 18 karat gold, 4,517 diamonds and weighs 381.92 carats, reports Reuters. It contains 105 yellow, 56 pink and 4,356 colourless diamonds.  Designed by Robert Mouawad, the purse reflects the work of 10 artisans made over a period of 8,800 hours.

According to the designers of the record-breaking creation, the heart-shaped purse traces inspirations from epic tales of romance and intrigue.

“Just as the tales of Scheherazade have captivated readers with their intricately woven plots of uninhibited passion and daring, The Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse is designed to mesmerise with its lavish attention to detail and elaborate workmanship incorporating thousands of diamonds,” said Mouawad’s coguardian Pascal Mouawad.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 22^nd, 2011.