Indian expats buy link in world record gold chain

Dubai: At least four Dubai Shopping Festival patrons have lined up to purchase a piece of a living golden history in Dubai.

Four Indian expatriates confirmed to Gulf News they have each bought a link in a world record setting longest 22-carat handmade gold chain measuring 5.5km and weighing 256kg, and that they are super excited to soon hold a part of history in their hands.

The shoppers got the opportunity to be a part of history by pre-booking the chain early last month and had an option of having it as bracelets or as chains, ranging from seven to eight grams (bracelets) and up to 26 grams for chains.

Sadhana Pai, an Indian teacher who purchased a 26 inch chain of the long chain in December said: “My husband and I have been in the UAE for such a long time and we have seen it growing year by year. We wanted to be part of this beautiful history and the Guinness World Record. We now own something that we could pass on to the next generation,”

Sadhana, who plans to gift the chain to her young daughter, also said that she’s never willing to sell it because “I have history in my hand. I may have lots of diamonds, but this chain is history in itself.”

As part of the DSF promotions, the world record attempt was made by Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group in association with five major jewellers in town – Siroya Jewellers, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Sky Jewellery, Joyalukkas and Emarald Jewellers DMCC.

Dubbed the Dubai Celebration Chain, the world record attempt is part of the 20th anniversary festivities of DSF, which will run between January 1 and February 1, 2015.

Shyam Prasad, an Indian senior business manager who booked an eight inch bracelet earlier this week from Malabar Gold & Diamonds said he also wanted to carry a small piece of history, since he has been in the UAE for 20 years.

“It’s a DSF history and a piece of Dubai setting the record. Dubai is our second home and we’ve been part of the many DSF celebrations, like when Dubai made the world’s largest cake in Dubai Creek, we got to be part of it. It feels nice and good to be involved in these things,” said Prasad.

The gold chain was unveiled for public viewing at Deira Gold Souq bus station yesterday where the Guinness World Records team announced the new record by certifying the successful attempt to make the longest handmade gold chain. The chain will be on display for three days.

The remarkable creation has more than four million links manually joined together by 100 craftsmen over 45 days for 10 hours each day. The 5.5-km chain was assembled together by linking smaller reels of chain weighing 4kg each.

Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor, along with other residents was also given a chance to add their own chains in order to be part of the record.

Among other Indian expatriates who booked a portion of the chain was Syed Atiq Ahmad, who wants to surprise his wife-to-be on their wedding next month. He said that there’s nothing greater than gifting her something that has been part of the world record.

“Since I’m getting married next month, I thought it would be a perfect gift. I’m actually so curious to see her reaction once I give her the 22-inch chain I booked. It’s indeed a historical moment, and I absolutely enjoy such DSF offers,” said Atiq, who bought the 22 inch chain from Joyalukkas.

Siji Bastian, also an Indian, said she was really excited about receiving her piece as well, since it comes with a certificate stating that it is part of the winning record.

“With an eight gram bracelet, I’m now part of a Guinness World Record, and I’m so happy about that,” she said.