Elizabeth Hurley Bedazzles as Carat+ Opens

RAPAPORT... The Carat+ show opened on Sunday, helping to raisesentiment in the Antwerp diamond market. Exhibitors noted busy visitor traffic on the opening day,which culminated in the Carat+ Night event, featuring actress Elizabeth Hurleyas the guest of honor. More than 2,400 professionals attended on Sunday, whichwas beyond expectations for the second edition of the show, organizers said. Traffic was slower on Monday morning, with exhibitorsreporting mixed feedback about the market in general. "We've entered a quieter period of the year," explainedone Antwerp-based exhibitor. "Prices are stable but the bigger problem at themoment is demand. Buyers bought enough goods at the beginning of the year." A few suppliers said the show was better than last year,and most agreed it was an important event for the Antwerp diamond community,even if orders were relatively slow. "We need to be here because it's in our hometown, and wewant events like this to take place here," said one supplier of high-end loosediamonds and jewelry. This, at a time when many suppliers are limiting thenumber of shows at which they exhibit. Some noted they'd pulled out of theBaselworld show due to the high cost of sending goods and exhibiting. At the glitzy opening event, Hurley talked publicly abouthow her career as an actress and model had created opportunities to wearexceptional high jewelry. She also spoke about how she had developed a fascinationwith vintage and one-of-a-kind diamond pieces over her years in show business. "With a huge number of guests arriving for the occasion, Carat+Night has cemented itself as a must-attend event for Antwerp's diamond sectorand professionals from the international diamond and diamond-jewelry markets,"the organizers said.