A Dubai diamond firm has hired a team of musclemen to safeguard an exquisite Dhs25 million necklace worn by Hollywood star Nicole Kidman to the Oscars in 2008.
The heavies are keeping a 24-hour watch on the multi-million dirham dazzler, which encompasses 7,645 rough, faceted and polished stones - at a total of 1,399 carats.
It’s the main attraction at a diamond exhibition in Malabar Gold & Diamonds, at Deira City Centre in Dubai, until February 16.
“It’s one of the top 10 most expensive pieces of jewellery in the world,” said Shamial Ahamed, managing director for international operations at Malabar.
Ahamed said he’d secured the services of two private security guards for the diamond, because: “It’s big news for us - and a big risk!”
Ahamed’s crown jewel would seem to be in safe hands. Asked what he would do if any brazen bandit dared try and nick the necklace, Iraqi bruiser Imad Kadimissa raised his fists and growled: “Take care of them.”
The six-layered diamond creation made international news when Academy Award winner Kidman, 45, debuted it at the Kodak Theatre in LA in February 2008.
The intricate ‘Sautoir’ necklace, made by acclaimed designer L’Wren Scott, required more than 6,200 man hours to craft to its glittering perfection.
It is normally kept in the diamond capital of Antwerp, Belgium but Ahamed has his fingers crossed that he will find a very well-heeled purchaser for it in the UAE during the exhibition.
“We have lots of private viewings and lots of interest,” he said. The diamond keeper wouldn’t be drawn on whether any celebrities or royalty were attending, but admitted: “We have VIPs from different parts of the UAE.”
