Diamonds sparkle at Jewelry Show in India

A city in southern India puts on a sparkling exhibition of diamond jewelry for an appreciative audience attracted to precious stones as the price of gold spirals upward.

Gorgeous models adorned with glittering jewels sashayed along the catwalk in India's southern city of Chennai to showcase the latest trends in diamond jewelry on Thursday.

As gold prices rise diamonds grow more popular.

In addition to diamonds, there were rubies, emeralds and platinum jewelry.

Experts say it's just the beginning and diamonds, along with platinum, have a long way to go.

N Anantapadmanabhan, proprietor of NAC Jewelers, said, "See, today for the middle class, gold has gone beyond their reach. So what has happened is that diamond is affordable and platinum is also affordable.

A one gram, two or three grams platinum ring with a single diamond is great. And they also feel very proud when they possess platinum or a diamond ring."

Visitors at this exhibition and fashion show were equally upbeat about diamond and platinum jewelry.

Priya, visitor, said, "Diamonds have resale value and anytime you give them back you get the cash back. So my preference would be diamonds studded in 18 carats, and I really prefer diamonds."

At one time, India was known for quality diamonds the world over.