GET into the spirit of Merdeka with Habib Jew­el's Merdeka Bazaar from July 30 to Aug 1.

The well known jeweller will be celebrating Malaysia's 53rd year of independence with the 1Malaysia concept, with discounts and lucky draws for Malaysians from all walks of life.

Habib's nationwide, three-day sale was brought forward this year as mark of respect to Muslims in the country who will be celebrating the month of Ramadhan in August.

Customers can look forward to a variety of discounts, including 70 per cent with an addi­tional 10 per cent on selected diamond items as well as up to RM15 off per gramme for 916 gold items. Also on offer will be the specially-designed pendent, created to celebrate the up­coming Independence Day.

"This is Habib Jewel's way of showing people how lucky we are to be a part of the country, where we can all shop together, no matter what race we are," said Yasheedah Yashaiya, the com­pany's marketing communications manager.

The exclusive 1Malaysia-themed jewellery is a heart-shaped 18K gold pendent bearing the enamel painted Jalur Gemilang, made out of gemstones, including sapphire, ruby and topaz. It represents the Malaysian flag with its red, blue, yellow and white colours.

"The Merdeka pendent has 14 stripes of red and white together with the crescent and 14 points in the star just like our Jalur Gemilang," she explained.

Malaysia's flag consists of 14 alternating red and white stripes as well as a crescent (rep­resenting Islam) and the 14 points in the star depict the unity of the 13 member states and the Federal government. The heart-shaped pendent was designed by in-house designers, headed by Datuk Meer Sadik Habib, managing director of Habib Jewels.

"The pendent which can be used to compli­ment a necklace or charm bracelet is one way of having Malaysia close to the heart," added Yasheedah, who has been working for the well-known jeweller for 15 years.

A perfect accessory for the fashionable Ma­laysian, the pendent would also be a good souvenir for visitors to remember their time in Malaysia.

With 114 pieces available for purchase, the patriotic pendent costs RM413 but during the bazaar, the price drops to RM200.

"The bazaar starts at midnight on July 30 and continues on the second day with lucky draws that include gemstones, umbrellas and jewellery pouches," said the 37-year-old who has been a big fan of jewellery since she was a child.

She added that on the third day of the cel­ebration, there will be a further markdown of items and customers will be able to see the Rantaian Kasih collection created specially for the upcoming Hari Raya festival.

The Merdeka bazaar, held for the sixth year will be followed by the latest Rantaian Kasih collection for this year's festivities from Aug 11 to Sept 9 in all of their 21 outlets across the country.

There will also be a Merdeka and Raya col­lection exhibition at Plaza Angsana and Ala­manda in Johor Bahru on July 28 to Aug 1 and Aug 11 to Sept 8 respectively.

Jewellery lovers should not miss the Mid­night Sale at its Ampang Point showroom on July 30 where the first 100 customers will be able to buy gold pendent at RM88.

Habib Jewels was first established by its founder Datuk HajI Habib Mohammed Abdul Latiff in Penang's Pitt Street in 1958. The small family business grew under the helm of his son Meer and is today known for its fine-crafted jewellery that portrays creativity, quality and expert craftsmanship.