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New Palme D’Or Encrusted with 167 Diamonds | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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La Palme d’Or 2017


Paris – For the first time ever, this year, the Cannes Festival will introduce its Palme d’Or trophy with 167 diamonds. The addition of diamonds comes in celebration of the prestigious film festival’s 70th edition, which will be held on the French southern coast with a massive international media coverage.

The French jeweler Chopard was chosen to make the new encrusted trophies set with diamonds. In an official statement, Chopard announced that the trophy will be made with 118 grams of pure gold and 0,694 carat of mini diamonds.

The award has become the symbol of the festival. It is first poured in a wax mold, injected with gold, and then softened by hand. The palm settles on a one-kilogram crystal cushion, which grants it its special uniqueness.

The award requires 40 hours of work by 7 jewelers. Caroline Scheufele, co-president of Chopard, designed the trophy in 1998. Each trophy costs 20,000 euro.

Spanish director Pedro Almodovar will chair the jury at the festival that runs from May 17 to May 28 while the actress Monica Bellucci will conduct the ceremony.