By Ramesh Mathew/Staff Reporter
The 3.3-kilo-plus white olive tree created by Italian designer Agatino Cappella using Carrara marble, 3,003 diamond pieces and platinum, displayed at the Pretty Jewellers counter in the Alfardan Jewellery pavilion, is hogging the limelight at the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition.
Created almost three years ago by Cappella, the olive tree was displayed earlier at exhibitions in many locations, including the UAE, but the designer is expecting it to be acquired by a Doha customer before this year’s exhibition gets over. “It could perhaps be one of the most unique pieces on display here,” said the creator, who, despite being pressed by journalists, left them guessing on its cost.
“It took me more than 18 months to complete the tree, which is the symbol of friendship,” said Cappella, recalling that he gave a few pieces of precious stones of it to Indian actress Preity Zinta in honour of the services that she has rendered as the UN’s friendship ambassador, at the Venice Film Festival in September 2011.
“White colour represents the purity of light as well as the purity of life and this is reflected well in the creation of this unique olive tree,” stressed the maker of one of the most talked-about pieces at the expo. The branches and leaves of the tree alone come close to 950 karats and the fruits made of diamonds add another 366 karats, enquiries found.
Designed in the jeweller’s own manufacturing facility in Vicenza, near Venice, the tree drew considerable attention in exhibitions at Hangzhou, Shanghai, Pechino and Shenzhen (all in China), Hong Kong, and Vicenza and Turin (both in Italy), before arriving in the region last year.
Giuseppe, a friend of the creator’s who is accompanying him on the tour, said marvels such as the white olive tree are built only once in a lifetime by a designer and this is the main reason for the enormous interest in the piece.
Speaking about the craftsmen involved in its creation, Giuseppe said some of them are in the fourth generation of their trade and their creativity has influenced its work in a big way as is evident in the remarkable finish of the piece. “It is an exclusive Mediterranean creation, with Italian mastery and artistry coming out at their best,” said Cappella, explaining the notable features of his creation.