South African Jeweler Shimansky Dazzles With World Cup Bling

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
Jun 11th 2010 at 2:01AM

South African jeweler Shimansky is getting their share of the focus brought to the country by the World Cup with a couple of dazzling projects. The jeweler recently showed off the world's most expensive tattoo. The tattoo is only temporary, made of 612 Shimansky Ideal Cut .5 carat diamonds applied to the skin using a water-based adhesive. South African model and Shimansky brand ambassador Minki van der Westhuizen wore the tattoo valued at $924,000.

Should that not be enough to get your attention, the company has also unveiled a diamond soccer ball. The nearly five pound ball is covered in 6,620 white and 2,640 black round brilliant cut diamonds, all sourced in South Africa, a total of around 3,500 carats of stones. It has a value of around $2.6 million. Replicas of the ball rendered in crystals will be in Shimansky's seven national stores for the duration of the World Cup. Afterwards each replica will be auctioned with the proceeds being given to each regional store's chosen charity. The jeweler has also created a World Cup ring and silver soccer shoe cufflinks. The rest of the world may not have been familiar with the jeweler before the World Cup but they will be now.

Tags: jeweler, shimansky, soccer, world cup