THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 7, 1996 TAG: 9611070051
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KIM WADSWORTH, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: 62 lines
DIAMONDS. They're more than just a girl's best friend. The very thought of them evokes the glamour of royalty.
Tomorrow and Friday, Hampton Roads residents will have a chance to see some of the most valuable diamonds in the world, as a touring exhibit makes a stop at a Virginia Beach jewelry store.
Included in the exhibit are a Vanderbilt brooch designed by Cartier, a diamond bracelet belonging to Joan Crawford, a pink-diamond bow brooch by Esmerian that resembles one belonging to Empress Eugenie of France, and the ``Clock'' necklace with Roman numerals by Rachelle that graces the back cover of the book.
Some of the pieces are on loan, but the pink-diamond brooch is for sale - for more than $1 million. So bring your checkbook!
``This collection is about bringing beautiful and priceless jewelry into the area. It is a coup to offer the public a retrospective of some of these rare pieces of wearable art,'' says Hardy's Diamonds owner Betsy Hardy.
The four pieces are featured in a new book, ``Diamonds: A Century of Spectacular Jewels,'' (Harry Abrams, $49.50) by Penny Proddow and Marion Fasel.
In advance of the Hardy's exhibit, the authors will give a slide presentation and talk at 7 tonight at the Virginia Beach Central Library.
Proddow and Fasel have traced the changes in taste and design of diamond jewelry through the decades of the past century.
``Looking at an exquisite diamond is like looking at a great painting,'' says Fasel. ``You don't have to own one to appreciate its beauty.''
For the authors, diamonds are a part of history, providing intimate connections to the famous figures who owned or wore them.
``You're looking at a personal aspect of a king or queen, of a movie star or individual with great personal style,'' says Fasel.
The authors insist that diamonds bring to life a moment in time.
In the 19th century, for example, Empress Eugenie wore a flamboyant diamond bow with diamond streamers called a ``stomacher'' that reached down to her waist. Today, supermodel Christy Turlington wears a navel ring with a canary diamond designed by Savitt.
Diamonds have come a long way, girls! ILLUSTRATION: Color photo by David Behl
The center know of this bow brooch has a 2.05-carat pink diamond
surrounded by 16 marquise-cut pink diamonds.
Graphic
WANT TO GO?
What: ``Diamonds: A Century of Spectacular Jewels,'' a lecture
and book signing
Where: Virginia Beach Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.
When: 7 tonight
Cost: Free, but call 486-0469 for reservations
What: Diamond exhibit
Where: Hardy's Diamonds, 4212 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia
Beach
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday
Cost: Free
Information: 486-0469 by CNB