Priceless emerald steals Abu Dhabi jewellery show
ABU DHABI — The largest emerald embedded stone is the centre of attraction at the 25th edition of Abu Dhabi Jewellery and Watches 2017 exhibition, which opened at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan inaugurated the five-day exhibition on Tuesday evening.
Show director Nehmat Fadel said the show has established solid ground over the last 25 years. “Now we have more than 130 exhibitors representing 20 countries, and over 30 new brands participating for the first time. Among the many new developments is Designer Avenue including seven top brands. The surprise of the show is emerald embedded stone, which was discovered 10 years ago in Brazil and it’s being displayed in the region for the first time,” Fadel told Khaleej Times.
Abu Dhabi is the first place to get to showcase the emerald stone outside Brazil, 500 Kilos Emerald representative John Martin said. “The one-of-its-kind emerald is a collection of 130 crystals and about 170,000 carats of emerald in these crystals. You got an entire mine full of emerald crystals embedded in just one piece and it’s beautiful. It stands upright, is presentable and unique,” Martin said. How much is the stone worth?
“By itself a crystal has a certain price. So, 130 times into how many carats each one is will give a value. It’s nearly impossible to calculate. It’s priceless.”
He noted the only way to reach a valuation is to take all those crystals and scientifically study them and have a price.
He has an interesting note on bringing the stone to Abu Dhabi.
“Abu Dhabi is a special place to unveil the stone as it’s symbolic of the emirates. In 1971, when all the emirates came together, it impressed the world with its unity. Similarly, each crystal will have a value but together it’s much more powerful and beautiful. So, this is a stone that makes a statement for the emirates.”
He added: “Aristotle said ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts’.” Each exhibitor has exceptional collection on show. Despite the hefty prices, items starting from Dh500 are also featured. The exhibition runs till Saturday and entry is free.