Diamonds are a diva's best friend at grand opening

Bradley's Fine Jewelers hosted a star-studded event recently to announce its official opening at the Park Shops at Andrea Lane in south Fort Myers.

The 2,000-square-foot fine jewelry and art gallery were transformed into a night for divas complete with a red carpet and South Beach performers.

"The theme is very clever and it's lots of fun," said Barbara Snyderman of Fort Myers. She attended the elegant night with her husband, Jerry, who was helping her pick out a piece of jewelry. "We might buy something but we still have more to see."

The Snydermans weren't the only ones perusing the glass cases of fine jewels, including diamond earrings, necklaces and the shop's own earthly-friendly line called the Sea Reel Life collection.

"We wanted to create a reason to be happy with life and enjoy the moments ... nothing does that like divas," said Brad Congress, the store owner and jewelry designer. "We are even giving everyone name tags with diva names."

Congress, along with his wife, Colbi, hired a group of performers from South Beach who dressed in elegant dresses and wore big flashy jewelry.

"It's fabulous and we just wanted to bring that aspect of South Beach here with the drag queens," said Congress, who greeted about 250 guests who were escorted through a red carpet and had their pictures taken by "paparazzi."

Susette Weiss of south Fort Myers brought her friend, Denise Panunte, who was visiting from Canada, to the festivities.

"They have the finest jewelry in southwest Florida and the most knowledge in half the United States," said Weiss. who wore a black dress and feathers in her hair. "I just love the party."

The party also included musician Robert Williamson and door prizes.

"We are also saluting the military and giving the community a different event," said Congress, who is related to the Congress family but his store is not affiliated with Congress Jewelers.