Queen Sofía of Spain wearing the Dragonfly brooch made by Jamaican designers Georgia Brown and Fred Lusan III, of Mahala Treasures. - photo by Janet Silvera

WESTERN BUREAU:

Rickie Francis and David Johnston's dream was to create a distinctive piece of jewellery of the standard fit for a queen.

And so they wrote a compelling and beautiful letter to Queen Sofía of Spain, offering her one of their highest quality pieces, capable of meeting Her Royal Highness' approval.

And, she accepted!

The dragonfly brooch that Queen Sofía wore to the opening of the new wing at the Spanish Town Hospital in St Catherine and to the unveiling of the commemorative plaque at the Sangster International Airport on Wednesday was the work of art of the Jamaican-owned company, Mahala Treasures, in Kingston.

The details

"It took one month to craft the brooch, one month to fine-tune the actual design and the four pearls that were selected were collected over a five-year period, because they are rare," stated a proud Rickie Francis.

The dragonfly is made from 18-carat white gold and features four natural conch pearls (5.5 carats) with a total weight of of 12.85 Dwts. Designer Georgia Brown thinks the dragonfly is one of world's most beautiful creatures.

"The dragonfly represents the values promoted by Queen Sofía and is a replica of her lasting beauty," said the designer.

Master goldsmith Fred Lusan III crafted the piece.

One conch pearl is found in every 20,000 shells and one of fine quality in every 100,000. Because of the rarity of these pearls and the long hours of meticulous craftsmanship, as well as its unique design, this piece is truly a one-of-a-kind royal gem.

Conch pearls were worn by 16th century royalty and later by those with discerning taste. Today, they are a collectors' item.

Not only did Queen Sofía don her dragonfly brooch during the day, but on Wednesday night she wore it to the reception at Fiesta's Grand Palladium Hotel in Hanover.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com

Mother and daughter Jennifer Lee (left) and Robynn Lee enjoy a drink together at the cocktail party. - photo by Hope Evans

Husband and wife, Daniel and Lila Quetglas, await the arrival of royalty. - photos by Hope Evans

Garth and Diana Arch are excited to be a part of the gathering that welcomed the King and Queen of Spain during their first visit to the island, at the cocktail party held at the Grand Palladium in Hanover.

Now we know who has John Lynch, chairman and director of the Jamaica Tourist Board's heart! It's none other than his petite, Hispanic wife, Wendy. We spotted the happy pair at the reception for the Spanish royals on Wednesday evening.

Sara Silva (left) wife of the Spanish ambassador and Pat Francis, executive director of the International Trade Centre, shared the spotlight at the reception for the King and Queen of Spain. - photos by Janet Silvera