Monroe, Obama and Queen's 'gemstone portraits' created

London, Dec 1 (ANI): 'Gemstone portraits' of Marilyn Monroe, Barack Obama and the Queen have been created by a team of British mosaic artists and jewel cutters.

The art workers spend weeks to recreate photos of the A-listers and used a selection of diamonds and precious gemstones.

Each 0.25 carat diamond and stone has a "round brilliant cut" finish and is hand-set into silver, gold or platinum of the customer's choice.

Gemstone Creative's biggest image measures around 24ins x 24ins. It contains an extraordinary 22,500 stones.

The firm is now in discussions with a client to create one that measures 48ins x 48ins and are planning three-dimensional models.

The company, which advertises the portraits as the "ultimate luxury possession", says it only uses ethically traded gemstones and precious metals, reports The Telegraph.

Company co-founder Mark Hirschel said: "Our prices start from 2,700 pounds for a crystal portrait but the sky is the limit. It would be very easy to exceed one million pounds by creating a large portrait made entirely of diamonds and set in gold or platinum.

"The intrinsic value of such a piece would be huge - and that is before you consider the amount of time and skill taken to make it. Our prices are so upmarket business has not been affected by the recession.

"Customers may have lost a lot of money through investments but the sort of people who usually commission our work still have vast sums. We offer the finest workmanship and give the customers 100 per cent control."

Gemstone Creative's website says: "The concept of using precious stones in mosaic artwork has been around for centuries. The Moors, the Byzantines and the Great Mughal Emperors all used precious stones and gold leaf to create intricate mosaics that adorned the walls and floors of their palaces and cathedrals.

"Gemstone Creative is a new and exciting company that takes the lead from these classical examples of fine craftsmanship and gives the concept a contemporary twist.

"We are dedicated to reintroducing this highly specialised artistic genre, which is by nature symbolic of wealth and a physical manifestation of beauty." (ANI)