Singapore-based Siang Hoa Jewellery Pte Ltd put on display a sumptuous range of one-off designs named "Sparkling Horizon" at the September Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair. The design, comprising a handbag and jewellery with black and white diamonds, was created using 12,000 African diamonds totalling 280 carats in 500 grams of pure platinum.

"The diamond-studded handbag is one of the most expensive bags in the world. Over 60 jewellery craftsmen worked unremittingly for 150 days to produce this spectacular and magnificent piece. The handbag - which alone sells for about $130,000 - together with the jewellery set, including a ring and earrings, is priced at a total of $260,000.

All the profits from it will be donated to charity projects in Africa," said Victor Lee Hwee Yeow, CEO of the company. Inspired by the zebra, the alternate black and white stripes pattern on the handbag and jewellery captures the unique beauty of the African creature. "The pattern of zebra stripes which is unique, like a fingerprint, resonates with the wild but socially acceptable personality of the wearer, zebras being highly social herd animals that cannot be tamed," he explained.

The distinctiveness of "Sparkling Horizon" drew much attention at the Fair, Mr Lee observed. "Many trade visitors were fascinated by the quality and style of these one-of-a-kind pieces. The intriguing black and white zebra stripe pattern of the pieces in particular is favoured by many in the industry. I believe the pattern will become a leading trend in the jewellery industry for 2009-2010," he said.