Dubai: The iconic Dubai Celebration Chain is well on its way to setting the record for the world’s longest 22-carat gold chain, one of the jewellers involved has told XPRESS.
“We are nearly there, on the verge of completing our part of the chain that will be showcased in the New Year,” said Joy Alukkas, chairman and managing director of Joyalukkas Group, one of the five Dubai-based jewellers making the 5km-long chain weighing all of 180 kilos.
Part of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) promotions, the world record attempt is being overseen by Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group in association with four other jewellers – Malabar Gold and Diamonds, Siroya, Sky Jewellers and Jewel One.
“At today’s rate the whole chain is worth around Dh28 million. We are making one kilometre of the chain for which we need over 25,000 manhours. About 70 craftsmen are putting in eight hours of hard work daily,” said Henry George, Retail Manager of GCC operations, Joyalukkas.
The commemorative piece will be cut and sold as bracelets and chains, giving people a chance to not just own a piece of history but to also win 100kg of gold and 40carat diamonds during DSF. “The pre-booking will begin early next week,” added George.
Once recognised by the Guin-ness Book of Records, the chain will beat the previous record of a 4.1km gold chain unveiled during DSF in 1999. The chain weighing almost 240 kilos was machine-made and needed more than 350 craftsmen back then. Dubai Celebration Chain is being completely handmade.
