This week marked the 40th anniversary of a partnership between De Beers and Botswana. In celebrating the event, De Beers shared some historical photos, which are included in this broadcast. Nicky Oppenheimer, chairman of De Beers, remarked that the partnership had a bright future. "It is built on the shared commitment to turn Botswanas national resources into national assets, the unflinching dedication of its Batswana employees, and its resilience in the face of even the strongest of storms. It is the bedrock of a wonderful bond which De Beers has with the people of Botswana. Long may it continue!
Winning designs of the HRD Awards for 2009 are displayed in the broadcast as well. HRD and the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) issued the following descriptions of the winners on June 18, 2009: "Against the backdrop of a fairy tale, the 2009 HRD Awards diamond jewelry design contest organized by AWDC reached its climax today, with the announcement of a winner and four finalists.
"Taking the top prize in the competition was Isabelle Geeroms, 45, of Belgium. Her entry Mirror Mirror on my hand is a ring made out of white gold and ceramics. Her inspiration comes from the fairy tale "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves." With a handful of frailness, she disposed dazzling diamonds in the mirror, symbolizing the yearning for passion and tenderness. The 114 diamonds with a total weight of 10.28 carats, are provided by Luc Vets Diamant. The jewel itself is sponsored by Gemsset.
Finalist Thitiwan Thubtimthong, 28, of Thailand, created the jewel Beyond Imagination out of a 30 meter chain, using an amazing technique to design many small objects, the fruit of her own imagination. Based upon the definition of a fairy tale - we dont know exactly when the story begins and ends - this very long necklace contains many far fetched stories and is set with 595 brilliant-cut diamonds, 38 champagne coloured diamonds, 2 pink diamonds and one gold coloured diamond with a total weight of 9.11 carats. The diamonds are provided by Om Diamond Co Ltd, the jewel is sponsored by Ariha Diamond Jewellery Co, Ltd.
Finalist Cari-Mari Wilsenach, 32, South Africa, turned to the story of Hans Christian Andersen The Ugly Duckling. Her Hidden Beauty bracelet refers to this story in both the use of its medium, the stark contrast between black and white feathers and the concept, as it explores the process of becoming in the technical element of opening and closing. As the piece unfolds, it changes in shape and colour, revealing an inner beauty of sparkling diamonds, set amongst pure white feathers. It is set with 700 brilliant-cut diamonds, with a total weight of 7 carats. The diamonds are provided by Casa Gi.
South Korean finalist Guerina Yoo, 38, is fascinated by the history of jewellery design and its cultural aspects. She created a head jewel based upon the Korean fairy tale The Woodsman and the Fairy. In Korea the hair accessories for brides on their wedding day are made of yellow gold. But instead, the artist chose dark bamboo to depict a sad bride forced to marry. The veil attached to the bamboo stick symbolizes the robe of feathers, set with 506 brilliant-cut diamonds, with a total weight of 15.62 carats, provided by Gembel European Sales NV. The jewel is sponsored by Soon-Young Lee.
Thirty-five year old Lithuanian Viktoras Sitalo crafted a ring A Kiss of the Sunbeam inspired by the fairy tale of Hans Christian Andersen The Conceited Apple Branch. The ring interprets the story of Andersen. See, she exclaimed, how wonderfully God has made this little flower. I will paint it with the apple branch together. Then the sunbeam kissed the lowly flower and he kissed the blooming apple branch upon whose leaves appeared a rosy blush. The jewel, in white gold, encloses 181 brilliant cut diamonds with a total weight of 5.43 carats. The diamonds are provided by Vets Alphi Diamond Manufacturing NV.
The five finalist designers, in the opinion of the jurors, presented pieces that demonstrated the artists excellence, and scored high in terms of innovation, enthusiasm and craftsmanship. First and foremost, they reflected the spirit of the 2009 competitions theme Once upon a timemy favourite fairy tale.
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5:39Tuareg Jeweler of the Desertby christianpeacock15,055 views
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