The little box, with the distinctive blue colour, wrapped in a dainty white ribbon is a recognisable symbol of glamour and prestige.

And for six weeks, Bermuda will get a touch of the mystique which entranced Truman Capote's heroine, Holly Golightly in the classic 60s movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's.

The legendary jeweller to the rich and famous has launched a travelling exhibition entitled The Diamonds of Tiffany & Co. and last night the eye-cat ching display debuted in Bermuda.

The Diamonds of Tiffany & Co. is a collection of over 90 pieces of diamond jewellery which range from the classic to the extraordinary.

"This special jewellery collection points up the role diamonds have played in Tiffany's rich history,'' said Tiffany & Co. vice president Bob Cepek, "and it showcases the setting and designs Tiffany has developed to make diamonds even more spectacular.'' This is the first time the collection has ever left the continent. It will spend the next six weeks showcased for all to see at Astwood Dickinson on Front Street.

"It is the first time it has been outside the US,'' explained Ian Smith, of Astwood Dickinson. "To get something like this says a lot about Bermuda's sophisticated market.

"Tiffany operates all over the world and Bermuda is the first country outside of the continent to host the exhibit.'' Founded in 1837, the historic company has a long-standing love affair with diamonds, becoming synonymous with the precious stone thanks to the 128.54 carat Tiffany Diamond and the engagement ring design known as the `Tiffany setting'.

The six-prong diamond and platinum solitaire design has been the engagement ring standard bearer for more than a century.

The collection features some spectacular pieces, including a stunning diamond dragonfly necklace and a regal ruby and diamond bracelet, all signature pieces from the company's Victoria, Nature and Etoile lines.

"My favourite piece is a platinum and diamond bow link bracelet which is $20,000 and the matching $40,000 necklace,'' said Helen Pengelly, of Astwood Dickinson. "But all of the pieces are gorgeous.'' Not all of the gems cost a small fortune, Mr. Smith pointed out that some of the collection boast price tags under $1,000.

And some pieces in the collection are unique works of art which cannot be purchased anywhere else in the world.

"None of these pieces can be bought at any Tiffany Store,'' explained Mr.

Smith. "They are made only for the travelling collection. "Some of the pieces are one-offs because the stones cannot be duplicated or replaced.'' Bedazzled visitors to the exhibition can buy whatever takes their fancy -- and matches their income.

Those pieces which so not find an arm, finger or neck to grace will be directly returned to the US. The Diamonds of Tiffany & Co. will be on display until July 23 at Astwood Dickinson on Front Street in Hamilton.

A girl's best friend The Diamonds of Tiffany & Co. exhibition includes the exclusive Etoile collections which features pave diamonds set in platinum. The 12.44 carat necklace contains 853 round diamonds and costs a whopping $39,500.