A Galway-born jeweller will tomorrow become the first Irish recipient of a De Beers Diamonds International Award. Mr Slim Barrett, from Athenry, is to be presented with his prize at a ceremony tomorrow night at the Musee du Louvre in Paris, marking the close of this season's haute couture collections.
The awards, sponsored by De Beers since 1953, have never before had an Irish recipient. Mr Barrett is one of 29 winners, selected from 3,000 entries submitted by jewellery designers in 44 countries.
His award-winning design is a cascade necklace incorporating 336 brilliant-cut diamonds set in 18-carat gold. Although it can be folded into the palm of one hand, the necklace has a value of £500,000 sterling.
According to Mr Barrett, "this is the equivalent of getting an Oscar." Born in 1960, he has been based in London since 1983 but still returns to Ireland at least once a year.
Despite his success in Britain, he regrets that no retailer in this country has sold his work for the past 10 years.
One of his first high-profile customers was the late Diana, Princess of Wales, and his client list includes Madonna, Cher, Janet Jackson, and Ffion Hague (wife of the British Conservative Party leader) whose wedding tiara and brooch he made.
Last summer, he created the tiara worn by Spice Girl Victoria Adams at her wedding to footballer David Beckham in Luttrellstown Castle.
Last week an 18-carat gold fish-charm necklace made by Mr Barrett was auctioned at the Dublin premiere of Angela's Ashes to raise funds for the Irish Youth Foundation.