Hamilton and Kovalainen to wear helmet with diamonds in Monaco (+pic)

In the build up to the 2008 Monaco Grand Prix, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and Steinmetz, creators of the world’s finest diamonds, are proud to announce the continuation of their long-running partnership.

This year Steinmetz has worked closely with the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen, in creating their own personalised race helmets, which both drivers will use throughout the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. Lewis and Heikki’s helmets have been custom-made to their tastes after working closely with Steinmetz’s in-house designers. Each helmet has the signature of the driver pavéd with a line of hundreds of Steinmetz’s handcrafted diamonds.

This also marks the first time that the Steinmetz logo - or any other sponsor’s logo in Formula 1 history - has been incorporated into the design of the helmets through the application of diamonds. In celebrating Steinmetz’s unprecedented attributes of master craftsmanship and integrity, the Steinmetz logo has been pavéd using Forevermark diamonds. Forevermark diamonds are the world’s most preciously selected diamonds.

"I really like what Steinmetz has done this year and am looking forward to the Monaco Grand Prix weekend," said Hamilton. "As some people might know I am very particular about my helmet but it looks great and will add some extra sparkle to the event."

"I’m always really excited about the Monaco Grand Prix - it really is the one that all drivers want to win," said Kovalainen. "To be able to race at this prestigious event with Steinmetz diamonds on my helmet will bring something special to the occasion."

Lewis was presented with his helmet at the McLaren Technology Centre earlier this week whilst Heikki will receive his on Wednesday in Monaco.

Steinmetz is renowned for cutting and polishing some of the most important diamonds throughout history. Amongst these are the De Beers Millennium Star, the Steinmetz Pink and The Blue Empress.

Steinmetz has a deep-rooted presence in the African sub-continent with four modern factories in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. Through the Forevermark initiative Steinmetz has raised the standard of diamond cutting and polishing to world-class levels, trained and created new talent, whilst embracing the latest technology, as well as providing jobs in these countries.

Forevermark diamonds only come from mines, which, attain the highest standards; are beautifully crafted by a select group of diamantaires; and are exclusively available in only a few jewellers worldwide. With less than 1% of the world’s diamonds being eligible for Forevermark status, these diamonds really are precious.