CARAT+, The World’s Premier Diamond Event, wowed audiences at its highly-anticipated CARAT+ Night evening event on Sunday, May 6, welcoming model and actress Elizabeth Hurley and a surprise cache of vintage cars driven through the show floor – believed to be a trade show first for the sector.

Hurley, who dazzled in a gold sequinned dress and Cascade collection jewels by CARAT+ exhibitor, Roberto Coin, formally opened the show by cutting a ceremonial ribbon. She was then led on a guided tour of the show floor, visiting leading exhibitors and discovering some of the most exceptional diamonds, fancy colour diamonds and coloured gemstones on display.

During a brief press conference, Hurley shared how her career as an actress and model has presented unique opportunities to wear exceptional high jewellery. She also highlighted a fascination with vintage and one-of-a-kind diamond pieces nurtured over her years in showbusiness.

Hurley was also joined by Easyfairs CEO and Founder, Eric Everard, to reveal a very special show surprise – a procession of vintage and classic cars driven through the CARAT+ show floor. This unique sight – believed to be a trade show first for the sector – created a buzz of excitement supported by flowing champagne, ample food and a DJ.

With a huge number of guests arriving for the occasion, CARAT+ Night has cemented itself as a must attend event for Antwerp’s diamond sector and professionals from the international diamond and   diamond jewellery markets.  During  the evening,  CARAT+ Event Director Filip  Van Laere and Commercial Director,  Dirk  Blommaert,  announced that more than  2,400 professionals  attended the first  day of CARAT+   2018 – far  surpassing expectations and highlighting  the success of the  second edition. 

Filip Van Laere said: “The second edition of CARAT+ has so far been a phenomenal success and I look   forward to seeing how the  rest of our  show progresses. I would like to thank the wonderful Elizabeth   Hurley, all our exhibitors, visitors, special guests and team members who made CARAT+  Night the talk  of Antwerp  and the entire diamond sector.” The inaugural day of CARAT+ 2018 saw a keynote speech from Holition CEO Jonathan Chippindale, followed by the results of a three- day  Hack4Diamonds event, hosted by  CARAT+ Main Partner  Antwerp World Diamond Centre  (AWDC) and Junction.