WORLD’S RAREST DIAMONDS TO BE DISPLAYED IN THE DOME

Greenwich, 8 September 1999

De Beers today unveiled its unique collection of diamonds, including the 203 carat De Beers Millennium Star, which will be on show in the millennium’s newest setting: the Dome. Visitors will be treated to a unique diamond exhibition where a total of 12 diamonds, brought together for the first time, will form a dazzling display.

The De Beers Millennium Star is one of the finest diamonds ever discovered. Cut to perfection using laser technology it is a flawless diamond of unrivalled purity and will be the centrepiece of the exhibition.

This collection of world treasures is unparalleled in quality and beauty and will be seen only by Dome visitors throughout the year 2000. The exhibition aims to be inspirational and will give visitors an insight into the symbolic nature of a stone that has been with us for thousands of years. Closer inspection will reveal how the latest diamond cutting technique has been used to unlock the brilliance and natural perfection of each of the twelve jewels.

Jennie Page, Chief Executive of the New Millennium Experience Company, said:

“The Dome will provide a magnificent and fitting setting for the De Beers Millennium Star. We are delighted that this collection joins our many unique attractions. To see diamonds of the quality of this collection close up will be yet another once-in-a-lifetime experience for people visiting the Dome.”

Nicky Oppenheimer, Chairman of De Beers, said:

“Diamonds were formed deep within the earth many millennia ago. As we approach the new millennium, De Beers is honoured to share these treasures with the world by displaying them at the Dome. These diamonds, like all diamonds, have witnessed the last millennium and will outlive the next.”

The investment in the Dome by De Beers, the world’s largest diamond company, provides a budget of more than £2m for the attraction to be housed next to the Money Zone which is sponsored by the City of London.

Links

De Beers: "A Diamond is Forever" which includes a showcase of the Millennium Diamond