THIS amazing piece of jewellery has today been donated to the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball. The pearl pendant necklace has been given to the glittering event as a star auction prize by top Ipswich jewellers Riley and Riley.

THIS amazing piece of jewellery has today been donated to the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball.

The pearl pendant necklace has been given to the glittering event as a star auction prize by top Ipswich jewellers Riley and Riley.

Managing director Mark Riley said: “We always donate a piece to the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball. This year we are donating a pearl piece which we haven't done before.”

The item - worth an estimated �1,275 - is made up of 80 naturally shaded freshwater cultured pearls with a further pearl set in an 18 carat white gold diamond set pendant.

Mr Riley said: “We chose this pearl necklace and pendant because we wanted to do something a bit different but also because the ball is themed Soul Sensation and the pearl is representative of a soul held in a protective cage. The pearl is also the stone for June which is when the Press Ball takes place.”

Riley and Riley, at 52 Buttermarket, has been supporting the Press Ball since the store opened nearly five years ago.

Mr Riley said: “We supply traditional jewellery but with a modern outlook. Our main business is diamond rings and wedding rings. We also supply bespoke pieces and find particular stones for clients.

“The Press Ball always supports very worthwhile charities and we are looking forward to an exciting night.”

Since the inaugural event in 1997, the Press Ball has raised thousands for charity and this year the organising committee has chosen the Cystic Fibrosis Trust as the beneficiaries.

The event will be held at the Hotel Elizabeth Copdock on Friday, June 19 with music, dancing, fine food and wines followed by an auction and tombola with prizes donated by businesses and organisations.

As announced in The Evening Star, headline acts will include rock legend and soul sensation Ray Lewis of The Drifters fame, who will perform at the Soul Ball themed night of nights.

Regularly and strongly supported by the county's business community, the Press Ball is once again sponsored by Ipswich firm Call Connection.

For more information about Riley and Riley visit www.rileyandriley.co.uk

Have you been helped by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust? Write to Your Letters Evening Star 30 Lower Brook Street Ipswich IP4 1AN or send an e mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the UK's only national charity dealing with all aspects of Cystic Fibrosis. It funds research to treat and cure CF and aims to ensure appropriate clinical care and support for people with Cystic Fibrosis.

Press Ball bosses are today offering the chance for the business community to offer their help to raise cash for the event's chosen charities

If your business or organisation would like to donate a raffle or auction prize to the event please contact Bridget York on 07961 430599