Jewellery worth millions on display at MBS
The Singapore International Jewellery Expo is back this year.
Held at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, the event features over 200 exhibitors from 25 countries.
While the US$5 million (S$6.8 million) necklace from DeGem and $3.5 million ring from IVY Masterpiece attracted a lot of attention, it was a heavily-guarded green emerald pendant which stole the limelight.
Placed in a glass panel and on a red cushion that emphasised its royalty, most exhibitors and visitors alike were awe-struck by the gem.
This emerald pendant, which dates back to the 1800s, was designed by Fortunato Pio Castellani, and was once owned by King Napoleon III and given to his mistress, the beautiful Virginia Oldoini. It is not known how much it costs.
It was bought by Mr Roberto Sciaguato, an Italian jeweller and collector. The gem is not for sale.
Mr Sciaguato's colleague, Ms Ana Maria, told The New Paper: "We purchased this piece in 1990, because we needed a very important piece for a television show that was broadcast worldwide for Unicef."
When asked about how she keeps the jewel safe, she revealed that Mr Sciaguato keeps it "in a bank", with the rest of his collections.
She did not say how big his collection is.
The pendant will be on display till Sunday, the last day of the exhibition.
There are many more fascinating pieces of jewellery on display.
The most expensive jewel is the $3.5 million diamond from IVY Masterpiece.
Timing: Saturday: 11.30am to 8.30pm
Sunday: 11.30am to 7.30pm
Entry is free.
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