In keeping with the zeitgeist of the times, mobile phones have taken to haute couture. No ramp walk here, only embellishments to make the devices look chic. To meet the demand of women who love glitz, mobile handsets are being decked up with semi-precious crystals. Costing between QR1,800 and QR2,500, the devices are covered with glittering Swarovski crystals in various hues, designs and patterns. Many a time, the cost of the job is more than the price of the gadget, but customers are ever willing to shell out the moolah to make their mobiles worth flaunting, transforming the manifestation of new-age technology into more than just a communication device. “The price depends on the size of the device and the type of crystals used,” says Abu Khaled, Manager of Maram Accessories, one of the few outlets specialising in the unique trade. He said a majority of women wanting to deck up their mobiles with crystals are Qatari. “Ninety percent of our customers are Qataris,” he said, adding it takes at least three days to finish designing one mobile phone because of the intricacy involved. The crystals are pasted on the body of the mobile phone using a special type of adhesive which makes the embellishments stick on for a long time. Though ready-made designs are available, customers also create their own designs uniquely transforming the mobile phones into a exclusive accessory, Abu Khaled noted. Phones that have been adorned with Swarovski crystals are available in the market but many customers prefer their mobiles brought to shops for a customised enhancement. Axiom, a mobile phone outlet at City Centre offers various makes of popular mobile phones decorated with crystals. The prices — more than double the ordinary ones. A normal mobile phone, for instance, costing QR 1,999 can be bought for QR3,999 with the elegant crystal design. Anybody who visits Abu Khaled’s store would be impressed by the glimmer of crystals coming from all types of ladies’ accessories and products designed with Swarovski elements. From tiaras, brooches, rings and necklaces to bags, shoes and computer accessories, almost anything can be found in the store showing women’s predilection for things beautiful and chic. http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&subsection=Qatar+News&month=February2010&file=Local_News201002085654.xml

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