|
|
|
|
•
What are the Celebrities Wearing
at the Oscars?
The 81st Annual Academy Awards brought out the
usual amount of glamorous gowns and million-dollar jewelry.
Diamond jewelry was, like always, on almost every neck, wrist, finger and
earlobe. Awards shows are events when expensive diamond jewelers can show off
their masterpieces by having them framed by the most beautiful people in the
world. This year, 
before the red carpet parade of opulence began, many of
Hollywood’s A-listers were given an education on just where those precious
stones come from.
At a pre-Oscar dinner hosted by Julianne Moore and Diamond Information Center
Director Sally Morrison, former Botswana President Festus Mogae
spoke about the importance of diamonds to the futures of many developing
countries. The affair, with attendees such as Camilla Belle, Julia Ormond,
Sharon Stone, Debra Messing, Tom Ford and Monique Lhullier, was given to bring
attention to the economic crisis in many African countries and show that the
issue of conflict
diamonds is not the only one that needs to be addressed.
Moore and Morrison felt that former President Mogae, addressing the crowd with
his first-person account of how the diamond industry affects his country, would
make for a much more compelling speech. He told the celebrity-filled crowd about
the importance of the diamond industry in his country. Botswana, with careful
guidance and attention by its government, has experienced considerable growth by
responsibly using its natural resources, making it a good model for other
African countries to follow.
In a press release, Morrison stated that: “We felt it was important for
Hollywood to understand that diamonds, while synonymous with Hollywood and
glamour, are also a lifeline for people in the countries where they are mined,
providing healthcare, infrastructure, education and employment.” On display at
the dinner was a collection of diamond jewelry, including several international
pieces and the new “Shining Light Diamond Collection,” which showed guests that
diamonds and the diamond industry have an enduring value and are a sustainable
source of economic diversification for developing diamond-producing nations.
The Academy Awards, being known in particular as the place for stars to see and
be seen in the finest jewelry, was exactly the kind of forum that the Diamond
Information Center wanted to address. Said Morrison, “By bringing President
Mogae to the Oscars, he was able to deliver that message in person and to
highlight the importance of diamonds to his country.”
Call Robert at
Incendia Diamonds for further advice on engagement rings and wedding bands or to
set an appointment for a jewelry fitting - 858.692.3939
