Surrounded by tight security and watched by baffled US servicemen the tourists from Ditchling Cricket Club were beaten by 124 runs over 25 overs.
Ditchling’s unlikely journey to Kabul began three years ago with an Afghan cricket tour of the UK.
A chance meeting between a Ditchling player and an Afghan official prompted an open invitation to play the village side.
The offer was taken up when another fixture against a Sussex 2nd XI fell through and 300 villagers turned up to watch the Afghans play on the village pitch.
Six months ago, the idea of a return match was raised and with the aid of village sponsors and support from Afghan businesses, the Kabul Cup was born. For security reasons, we were sworn to secrecy whilst making the trophy – a large rose bowl hammered in our classic style.
The team captain, Jamie Theakston, the former Blue Peter presenter turned radio presenter who lives in the village, said it “seemed fair” to let the Afghans win on their home ground.
As promised, my quick guide to buying a diamond for the engagement ring:
4 Cs Of Diamonds
Various characteristics of diamonds are graded and categorized by the diamond industry. Learning about diamonds is first learning about the “four Cs” of diamonds which are considered the most important grades and categories:
Cut
Clarity
Color
Carat weight
These are the criteria jewellers use when grading diamonds, and they’re the ones you’ll need to understand to buy the right diamond for you.
Cut is sometimes considered the most important, and most challenging, of the four Cs to understand. However in my experience, 99% of cuts are very good and then it is a matter of taste & trust : if it looks good, it is good!
Most diamonds contain some inner flaws, or inclusions, that occur during the formation process. The visibility, number and size of these inclusions determine what is called the clarity of a diamond. Diamonds that are clear create more brilliance, and thus are more highly prized, and priced. Again though, in my opinion, a flawless diamond is so much more than a very clear one, it is often not worth the extra. Go for a VVS…as we usually do.
Colorless diamonds are the most desirable since they allow the most refraction of light (sparkle). Off white diamonds absorb light, inhibiting brilliance. All our diamonds are G or better and this negates any problems here.
A carat is the unit of weight by which a diamond is measured. Because large diamonds are found less commonly than small diamonds, the price of a diamond rises exponentionally to its size. Around ½ carat is the best deal.
The diamond certificate, which is sometimes called a grading report, is a complete evaluation of your diamond that has been performed by a qualified professional with the help of special gemological instruments. Each stone bears its own recognizable, individual characteristics, which is listed on the certificate. These are not often issued on less than one carat stones because they cost about fifty quid. A jeweller can list the deatails on the receipt and it is almost as accurate a safeguard as a certificate.
Pruden & Smith are showcasing their exclusive range of contemporay jewellery and silverware at the Goldsmiths’ Fair, September 30th – October 5th 2008. We are inviting all our customers and friends to join us at this showcase event.
Goldsmiths' Fair Sept 30th - Oct 5th
Contemporary and stylish
This annual sale is a treasure trove of stunning jewellery, original silverware and precious objects. 180 leading designer-makers converge on Goldsmiths’ Hall to present their latest collections in what is the largest and most inspirational show of its kind in Europe.
Meet the Pruden & Smith designers
Goldsmiths’ Fair offers something for everyone with items starting from £60. Moreover, it provides the rare opportunity to meet the designer-makers themselves and discuss their work. Please visit the Who’s Who in Gold and Silver where we and many of the exhibitors have portfolios.
Venue: Goldsmiths’ Hall Foster Lane London EC2V 6BN Tel: 020 7606 7010
Opening times: Mon to Fri 11am to 7pm, Sat and Sun 10am to 6pm
Admission: by catalogue purchasable on door: one week £6, two weeks £10.
Welcome to our blog. Here we will be sharing all their is to know about contemporary jewellery and silverware. From time to time we will be taking a look at how to buy jewellery for others, like an engagement ring, and introducing you to the latest developements in the use of metals such as gold, platinum and silver.
We will be also feature for our regular customers and friends updates about our role in the local community where we have been trading for the last 20 years. Enjoy our blog and please feel free to contact us.
This year Pruden and Smith are celebrating 20 years of designing and making their unique jewellery and silverware in Ditchling.
Discerning collectors and buyers from all over the world have discovered their masterful blend of craft and design, made in their Ditchling workshop with care and passion.
To celebrate this milestone in British craftsmanship, this summer saw a succession of events held in their gallery and workshop.
Visit the Pruden & Smith gallery and workshop in Ditchling to experience this precious legacy.
Jamie Theakston presenting the Trophy.
Contemporary jewellery and silverware 