Chicago retailer decks tree with diamonds
November 29, 2007
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| This gold, platinum and diamond Christmas tree, designed by Chicago-based retailer Steve Quick, will be auctioned off to benefit the American Cancer Society. |
By Catherine Dayrit
Chicago—There's a never-ending appeal to everyday items done up in diamonds (or gold or colored gemstones, as the case may be). Recent versions, ranging from a Swarovski-studded pumpkin to a diamond-covered ice cream cone topped with a ruby "cherry," are proof of the genre's enduring charm.
Just in time for the holiday season, a Chicago retailer has taken that idea and translated it into a glittery Christmas tree crafted in gold, platinum and diamonds—and this one's for a good cause.
Steve Quick, owner of Steve Quick Jeweler, is currently working with the American Cancer Society to auction off the four-pound, nearly seven-inch tree just before Christmas. All proceeds will benefit the national organization, whose mission it is to provide cancer research, education, advocacy and service to the public.
The one-of-a-kind wonder is made of 18-karat gold and features diamond-briolette ornaments and a layer of "snow" that consists of 200 carats of full-cut diamonds, all supplied by Manak Jewels. The largest diamond on the tree is a 4.52-carat round-cut stone donated by United Gem Limited. The dazzling rock is set in a platinum star sitting at the tree's top, bringing the total diamond carat-weight to 350.
Quick said the project had been in planning for two years and took approximately six months to complete, given that everyone involved wanted to create the most realistic-looking tree possible. That meant a lengthy and time-consuming design and wax process. In addition, G and M Casting Chicago, one of the suppliers involved in the project, acquired a new casting machine that actually had to be altered to fit the project.
The payoff: In addition to proceeds going to the benefit of the American Cancer Society, customers at Steve Quick Jeweler will be able to view the tree, housed in a museum-quality showcase, through the holiday season. Another plus: the retailer will receive a
Guinness Book of World Records certificate right before the auction.
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