Sparkle-2011, gems and jewellery festival, begins

SURAT: The four-day gems and jewellery festival, Sparkle International-2011, organized by Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( started at the convention centre at Sarsana on Friday.
An inaugural function was organized in the presence of Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, Uppeka Samaratunga.
About 100 exhibitors from Surat, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mumbai, Hong Kong and Thailand are participating in the event to showcase gold jewellery, silver jewellery, diamond studded jewellery, loose polished stones and colour gems stones.
Samaratunga said, "Gujarat in particular and Surat in general are our trade partners and we are closely associated with the government and the business people here. Sri Lanka is known for its coloured gemstone industry, while Surat is the world capital of polished diamonds."
Meanwhile, Rohit Mehta, president of SGCCI, said the giant five feet long sea shell studded with about 28,000 Swarovski diamond crystals valued at Rs.2.35 crore, displayed at the gems and jewellery event, will be auctioned by SGCCI and the money will be used for charity purpose. Each Swarovki diamond crystal is valued at Rs 8,000 per piece.