Precious Afghanistan
Precious Afghanistan: An evening exploration of Afghanistan’s gemstones past and present will take place on Thursday the 15th March 2012 at Porchester Hall, W2. The event will showcase jewellery by designers Sima Vaziry (www.simavaziry.com) and Pippa Small (www.pippasmall.com).
Persian historian, Bijan Omrani will begin the evening with a journey along the Silk Road and beyond, highlighting the importance of many Afghan gemstones to kingdoms in Egypt and Gothic artwork.
Sophia Swire, former Senior Advisor on Gemstone Sector Development, Ministry of Mines, Kabul, will provide guests with a thorough picture of modern lapis, emerald and sapphire mining along with what training is available for gemstone cutting in-country.
During the evening guests will be entertained by raw gemstone and jewellery displays as well as a traditional Afghan bazaar where clothing, carpets and other textiles will be available for purchase. Live music and traditional dance will also be performed Ziba Tabrizi.
This charitable event is the innovation of Lady Bridget Cowper-Coles, whose love of Afghan culture, fashion and design came through her travels in the country.
Tickets are £60 and can be purchased at www.preciousafghanistan.com.
Those interested in sponsoring the event or volunteering their time should contact Amanda Curley on amanda@afghanaid.org.uk or +44 (0) 20 7065 0825.
