On November 30th, 2018 Mondial Pink Diamond Atelier unveiled the world's most expensive Advent Calendar in their store on the ground floor of the iconic Queen Victoria Building.
The calendar, worth in excess of A$4,000,000 (Four Million Dollars), has been meticulously handcrafted by master cabinet maker and Sydney resident Tim Garside, using specially selected, natural Australian timbers and embellished with precious gemstones, gold and silver as well as hand-made, crystal chandeliers.
The beautiful Calendar hasn't gone unnoticed with hundreds of the general public turning up each day to take a closer look at the captivating display. 'It's truly breath-taking' said one Chatswood resident who stopped in specifically to see the Calendar on his way to the office.
With secret doors and panels numbering 1 to 24, each day of December will reveal a new treasure to the public up until Christmas day. The calendar delights those interested in luxury jewellery and time-honoured craftmanship but also draws attention to the historic QVB as it continues to celebrate its 120th birthday.
Michael Neuman, Co-Director of Mondial says of the window display,
"This has been over 18 months in the making and we are so thrilled to finally see our vision come to life. For us, it really is about adding that spark of wonder and excitement back into Christmas and we are looking forward to seeing the faces of both adults and children light up as they look into our shop windows and see the incredible and totally unique display."
"While we understand that very few people can afford to purchase the Calendar, we do hope it draws attention to the magnificent coloured diamonds and gemstones that Australia produces as well as our fine timbers. In this current age of suburban shopping centres, we also wish to renew excitement in visiting the city for those unique experiences, where for 120 years the QVB has been serving the community as a central and often premium shopping destination. This year Mondial celebrates 25 wonderful years in this special location and like the QVB herself and many of the retailers here, this advent calendar is one of a kind. The calendar has been designed to reflect the architectural style and details one sees in the famous Queen Victoria Building and it includes featured Mondial jewellery such as an extremely rare Argyle Red Diamond ring valued at $690,000."
Shane Carswell, Regional Manager, Vicinity Centres says of the new Advent Calendar,
"The Queen Victoria Building has always been the perfect destination to celebrate Christmas. In our 120th year, we are delighted to see that Mondial have produced such a luxurious and unique window display that will surely captivate all who visit this holiday season. As Mondial celebrate a noteworthy quarter of a century located on the "Grand Walk" main level of the QVB, we particularly love the references to our iconic architecture in the Advent Calendar design. The truly breath-taking diamonds, jewellery and coloured gemstones which are part of the calendar are a brilliant addition to our iconic QVB Swarovski Christmas tree, Santa's Enchanted Garden, and festive activities we have available for shoppers and visitors at the Queen Victoria Building during this Christmas season."
Tim Garside, the designer and master craftsman involved in the project says,
"The materials chosen were Australian woods and veneers revolving around a complimentary theme. The details on and within the cabinets were to take features of the Queen Victoria Building itself to create a connection between the display and the building. You can see such features in the chequered floor, arched windows, glass in the windows and pillared arch and columns on the facade.
One half of the calendar consists of predominantly Australian Red Cedar, along with Australian walnut, and Forest Red Gum, features of Gold Leaf, natural gemstones and crystal. The other side consists of predominantly Huon Pine, Birds Eye Maple, Silky Oak and Red Gum Burl along with features of Silver Leaf, natural gemstones and Crystal.
As a master craftsman, I would like to feel the Calendar will capture the public's imagination and create a sense of intrigue as to what lies behind the various numbered doors. The construction of both of the interiors has been done using traditional methods and incorporates many skill sets from veneer work, metal work, joinery, design, inlay, parquetry, gilding, French polishing, glass cutting and fine wood work. I would like the calendar to re-awaken the public's appreciation of the natural unique precious materials found here in Australia with their beauty and wonderment to be seen through the calendar and the jewellery on display."
QUICK STATS
- Took over 18 months to design and build
- Design is based on the unique QVB Romanesque Revival style
- Specifically commissioned for the joint celebration of Mondial's 25 years in the QVB and 120 year Anniversary of the building
- Mondial's window display had to be re-built to accommodate the Christmas fixture
- Includes Australian timbers, precious gemstones, gold, silver and crystal chandeliers
- Every day, a new piece of exquisite jewellery will be revealed up until December 24
- The total value of the Advent Calendar is over A$4million dollars
- To our knowledge, it is the most expensive Advent Calendar in the world
Some of the 24 exceptional pieces of jewellery in the Advent Calendar include:
- Mondial Red — Beyond Rare. From the Argyle Pink Diamond Tender, this 0.33ct brilliant cut is a pure Natural Fancy Red of unsurpassed colour. RRP $690,000.
- Aria — Unique and handcrafted. A beautiful pear-shaped diamond enhanced by a frame of interlaced Australian Argyle pink diamonds. RRP $58,000.
- Celestia — One of a kind. An historic 3.51ct, VVS1 Fancy Intense Yellow Argyle Diamond. RRP $275,000.
