This monument is based on the “Twin Towers” of New York City. They have been recreated in 18ct yellow gold and studded with princess cut diamonds as a tribute to the original version. The 110 floors in each of the two building have been represented by 110 rows of diamonds. Princess cut stones each measuring 1.4 mm and weighing approximately 0.02ct each are invisibly set in columns to give it an appearance of a sheet of diamonds as would befit the windows of the twin towers. The towers themselves are internally supported by four solid pillars of 18ct gold approximately 185cm in height. The left tower also contains an 18ct gold antenna rising from the roof of the building.
The surrounding buildings such as the North Plaza building, South Plaza building, the U.S custom office and the hotel have also been erected using 18ct yellow gold. The whole structure stands on a solid 18ct yellow gold square plate of rolled sheet gold. The entire process from inception to completion has taken 25 weeks engaging a team of over 38 artists, designers and technicians. A mind boggling 14,080 diamonds weighing over 255 carats and over 3 kg (approximately 96 oz) of 18k gold have gone into making the twin towers.
On the floor of the piece where the courtyard stood this poem is engraved:
Those innocent souls, we’ll never forget,,
United us all in a single breath.
We shed not tears, only our doubts,
Vowed to destroy all vicious clouts.
Stronger we rose, with a will so bold,
As hard as diamonds and as pure as gold.
Victorious we emerged, its plain to see,
So come join this anthem and sing with me.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
The entire piece is mounted a rich rosewood base which gently slopes down in steps on all 4 sides. It is encased in a removable acrylic box.
This whole project was the brainchild of Ms. Nayna Mehta, a graduate from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America. Along with her team, she has worked tirelessly to bring the project to fruition. from its inception to culmination with the help of her able team.
The monument has been appraised by the EUROPEAN GEMOLOGICAL LABORATORY where the diamonds have been certified as F-G color and VVS-VS clarity.