Worlds largest natural color diamond and the worlds finest natural color diamond jewelry coming to Houston, Texas

Bailey Banks & Biddle to host renowned jewelry designer Alan Friedman to celebrate grand opening at Houston Galleria

(PRWEB) September 8, 2004

Media Contact: D’Orazio & Associates Public Relations

Tel:310 860 0041

Los Angeles, September 8, 2004 -- Bailey Banks & Biddle will celebrate the grand opening of their Houston Galleria flagship store by playing host to The Incomparable, the world’s largest internally flawless natural color diamond, and acclaimed jewelry designer Alan Friedman, creator of award winning natural color diamond jewelry.

Weighing in at 407.49 Carats, The Incomparable was discovered in the early ‘80s. Four years were spent cutting and preparing the diamond in Antwerp, before it was put on display in the Smithsonian institute. The Incomparable is a fancy brownish-yellow color, is the world’s largest natural color diamond, and is the third largest diamond ever cut. Offered for sale by Christies several years ago, the diamond had a reserve set at $20 Million.

Based in Beverly Hills, Alan Friedman is a third generation jeweler specializing in rare pink, yellow, and blue natural color diamond jewelry. Highly regarded in the industry, the work of Alan Friedman has garnered numerous design awards, and consistently set the trends for natural color diamond jewelry.

A true pioneer, Alan has been credited as being instrumental in the popularity of natural color diamonds, having worked with them for more than 25 years. For the grand opening, Alan will make a personal appearance, and will present over 100 pieces of his exceptional jewelry, part of what has now become the world’s largest collection of natural color diamond jewelry.

Founded in 1832, Bailey Banks & Biddle has an illustrious history, including the engraving of the Great Seal of the United States in 1903, and the creation of the Distinguished Flying Cross presented to Charles Lindbergh in 1927. In 1961, Bailey Banks & Biddle joined Zale Corporation as its fine jewelry retail brand.

The grand opening of the Bailey Banks & Biddle flagship store will be a unique opportunity to view a part of the world’s largest natural color diamond jewelry collection, meet in person with designer Alan Friedman, and a chance to see The Incomparable, the world’s largest internally flawless natural color diamond.

Alan Friedman will be in store Friday September 10 and Saturday September 11 from 12 noon- 4pm

Bailey Banks & Biddle

Houston Galleria

5015 Westheimer Road Suite 2260

Houston, TX 77056

(located street level inside the Neiman Marcus wing)

For media enquires please contact Rymann Winter at D’Orazio & Associates Tel:310 860 0041 or rymann@dorazioassociates.com

# # #