It all seems like a dream now, but what a great evening I had last Monday. The event was the Global Gift Foundation Gala dinner and the venue was the Four Seasons Hotel on Park Lane in London. I was invited a few months ago to participate with this great charitable cause. After a bit of research I accepted. I didn't have to do that much research to see that the Global Gift Foundation's mission is to affect positive change on the development, welfare, healthcare and social inclusion of the most vulnerable. The Foundation helps to provide shelter, food, clothing, education, medical attention and other life-changing necessities to vulnerable groups, in particular children and women in need. So the question soon became, why wouldn't I want to be involved?
I decided that I would make a lovely diamond necklace which would be auctioned off with all the proceeds going to the Global Gift Foundation. With the assistance of many people, in particular Eva Longoria and her co-host Ricky Martin, It soon came to light that the wonderfully talented and equally beautiful Iveta Lukosiute, of Strictly Come Dancing 2014, would be wearing my piece during the evening prior to the auction. Believe me when I tell you that the pleasure was all mine. She really did look a million dollars and every bit Eva's equal, and that was before I placed the necklace on her neck.
Amongst the celebrity guests in attendance was Victoria Beckham. She was gifted with a 'Philanthropreneur' recognition award and expectedly and deservedly received a standing ovation. She looked magnificent in her emerald and diamond ring with matching chandelier earrings. This however was not the only focus on the night. There were plenty of other celebrity guests who were in attendance. Alexandra Burke opened the evening with a song and the evening finished with DJ Zoe Hardman spinning some tunes in the after party. Lord Jeffery Archer was the auction master and there was even a special 30 second appearance by Lindsey Lohan who happened to be in the hotel that evening having dinner with friends. Nicole Scherzinger was also sitting with me amongst the guests.
After the main course, the auction items were revealed and Lord Archer got the proceedings underway. When it was the turn of the diamond necklace to go under the hammer, I escorted Iveta up to the stage, and suddenly all eyes were on me. There was a huge screen behind me and a cameraman in our face. It was necessary I suppose so the people in the room could all see the necklace and have a fair chance to bid on it. I'm pleased to say that after a slow nervy start, the necklace managed to raise £12,000. It was quite nerve racking being on the stage, all eyes on us and pretty much everyone in the room wondering who I was. "Accompanying Iveta tonight is Lewis Malka the designer and maker of this fine diamond necklace", announced Lord Archer. Now everyone knew who I was. I felt so proud. Once the auction was over, Ricky Martin and Eva Longoria both came over to me and personally thanked me for the donation. All that time spent learning to do up what seems like a simple bow tie had paid off. Well that and my apprenticeship as a sixteen year old boy too. I'm pleased I didn't go for a clip on tie. I really think it made a big difference. People notice these things!
Once that was over and the rest of the formalities out of the way, it was time to party away till the early hours in the adjacent room where Zoe was playing some seriously good tunes and we were all drinking the Tia Longoria cocktail, a drink made in Eva's honour with Tia Maria, Tequila, passion fruit syrup and sparkling grapefruit. Tia Maria threw the official after party. I finally crawled into bed at around 3am. That, my friends, is a night to remember. I can't wait for the next one!! I just want to mention a special thank you to Charlotte for all her help and efforts. She and the rest of my "Angels" made it all possible. #grateful.
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Lewis Malka is a recognised expert in making diamond jewellery as well as being a famous jeweller to the stars. All his blogs are his own opinions. He is a member of the London Diamond Bourse (LDB) and is currently the Chairman of the Young Persons Committee within the Diamond Bourse. You can follow him daily on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you would like any bespoke jewellery made, then please visit his website.
