1987 Belgian Diamond Award for Edwin Starr. Starr is most famous for his worldwide 1970 #1 hit "War" but had numerous other hits including "Twenty-Five Miles", "(Eye-to-Eye) Contact", and "H.A.P.P.Y. Radio". After moving to England in 1983, he scored minor hits with "It Ain't Fair", "Let It Be" by Ferry Aid, and the club hit, "Whatever Makes Our Love Grow". In 2000 he recorded a new version of earlier hit "Funky Music Sho' 'Nuff Turns Me On" with the UK's Utah Saints. After establishing the following in the UK and Europe, especially among fans of Northern Soul, Starr was recognized with various accolades including this award. Remember Edwin Starr (1942-2003) with this award.
As to the award itself, the Belgians took the concept of "diamond award" quite literally, being the diamond capitol of the world. They interspersed the award disc with 12 genuine diamonds. A retail jeweler determined the 12 gemstones add up to a total of 1 ct. total weight, rated their color and clarity as I/SII-VS2, and appraised the total diamond value in the award at $1,500. (See written appraisal, which is included with the item).
Reportedly, the first Diamond Record Festival, which included a televised awards show, took place in December 1986 in Belgium and lasted several years into at least 1988 (see trade ad for the Diamond Awards in images, which lists Starr as a recipient at one of the shows).
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Item Highlights:
- Belgium Diamond Record award in burgundy display box
- Contains 1 ct. weight of real diamonds (12 stones)
- Retail jeweler's appraisal of diamonds included (see image)
- In Good to VG condition
- Dated 1987
- Presentation to Edwin Starr
- Award disc measures 7.75" in diameter, award in case measures 10" x 10"
- Beautiful and rare Edwin Starr collector's item
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: A rare and unique item for any record award collector, this Belgium Diamond Award was made in 1987, making it approximately 37 years old. It is presented to Edwin Starr.
The award is in Good to VG condition considering its' age. The disc has some minor spots on the gold and silver finish, but overall is shiny and bright. The diamonds are sparkle nicely. The glass-front case is velvet-lined and it has a bit of wear as can be seen in the photos but is generally in good condition. The award can be hung on a wall with the built-in hooks or displayed on a tabletop.
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Notes on the condition of all vintage awards like this one: Please do not buy this item if you want a brand new piece of memorabilia. These are historical artifacts from the year they were produced. As a result they may show signs of wear. Frankly, if you see a 20 to 50-year-old award purported to be in 100% perfect condition, it might be too good to be true. After all, an antique should have "good' wear. If not, you might want to question the piece.
As to where they came from, they could have been displayed in record label offices, recording studios, artist manager's offices, radio stations, private collector's homes and yes, of course, possibly the artist's or songwriter's home. Typically, we don't know all the places they may have been over the years other than what we've stated in the description.
Finally, a word on photos: Our photos are zoomable so you can get a very good look. Do let us know if you want photos of any other details on our pieces and we'll be happy to provide.