Marmalade plays host to worlds most expensive handbag during London Jewellery Week

Marmalade Jewellery of Turnham Green Terrace in Chiswick was delighted to be asked to host the worlds most expensive handbag for a day during London Jewellery Week.

Security concerns made it impossible to pre-advertise the event, but a few lucky customers got the chance to view this unique piece at close hand in Marmalade.

Designed by Japanese jewellery genius Ginza Tanaka, this show-stopping piece, made entirely from platinum and set with over 2,000 diamonds, is one fashion accessory that will stand the test of time. With a record-breaking value of over £1 million, it is surely the world’s most desirable handbag.

The versatility of the bag makes it even more unique, as it can be worn in a number of ways. If a clutch bag is more your style, the long dazzling diamond shoulder strap can be detached and draped around your neck for instant red-carpet glamour, similar to Nicole Kidman at this year’s Oscars.

The eye-catching centre piece of the bag can also be removed, featuring an eight carat pear-shaped diamond surrounded by a cluster of eighty-one smaller diamonds, and worn as a brooch.

Pure, rare and eternal – platinum has long been renowned as the world’s most precious metal. The A-List know that platinum will never go out of style, and screen icons like Grace Kelly or Marilyn Monroe married in exquisite platinum jewellery. More recently, glamorous starlets including Katie Holmes and Jessica Alba have carried on the trend, opting for platinum jewellery to add the finishing touch to their red carpet creations.

However, platinum is not just the reserve of the rich and famous, it is also the perfect choice for bridal rings that will be worn forever. Being the purest precious metal available, it is hypoallergenic, has a beautiful feel, and an appearance that will stand the test of time.
Marmalade prides itself in only dealing with conflict-free diamonds and the handbag was no exception.

Simon Johnson and Nadine Meegan opened bespoke jewellery shop, Marmalade, in Chiswick in 2002. Since then they have won a number of awards - the latest of which was the prestigious accolade of Independent Retailer of the Year 2007.

Also finalists in the 2008 Jewellery Awards in the ‘Independent Retailer’, ‘Employer’ and ‘Manager’ Of The Year categories. (results announced shortly)

June 18, 2008