VIETNAM, Sept. 2 -- TANZANIAS prized Tanzanite stole the spotlight in Vietnam after a piece of the rare gemstone fetched a cool 10,000 US dollars (26.4m/-) at the Miss World Beauty with a Purpose Charity Gala Dinner.

The sparkling piece was snapped up by a representative of the Vietnamese hosts, in a show of support for Tanzania, which will welcome the Miss World family when the festival comes to the country next year.

The auction, held in aid of disadvantaged children and children with disabilities in Vietnam, allowed Tanzania to add some of its own sparkle to the global beauty event. And Tanzania was more than happy to play host.

Director of Arts in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Emmanuel Ishengoma, who witnes...