Buzz
I had initially planned to share this as a Christmas gift guide, but I got distracted and forgot about it. Now I’m bringing it to your attention with a few updates to the original list. I hope you enjoy the items I've chosen, and feel free to share your own selections in the comments section. If money were no object, what would you buy? Perhaps a diamond ring, a luxury sports car, or even a new mansion? The decision is yours. Below is a list of ten extravagant gifts you might consider for yourself or loved ones. Prices are listed in both U.K. pounds and U.S. dollars, and they are approximate.
10. Wristwatch £15 million/$25 million
Yes, you read that correctly: £15 million. This masterpiece of horology by Chopard is adorned with three heart-shaped diamonds—a 15-carat pink diamond, a 12-carat blue diamond, and an 11-carat white diamond. As if that weren’t enough, they added 163 carats of white and yellow diamonds, bringing the total to a staggering 201 carats of diamonds. With a £15 million price tag, this watch is set to hold the title of the world’s most expensive timepiece for many years to come.
9. Diamond Ring £9.78 million/$16.26 million
Another stunning creation by Chopard is the Blue Diamond Ring, a piece that redefines the brilliance of all other diamond rings. Featuring an immense, oval-shaped blue diamond, the ring also boasts diamond-studded shoulders and an 18k white gold band adorned with diamonds. Blue diamonds, one of the rarest and most expensive diamonds on Earth, derive their unique hue from boron deposits. This particular gemstone weighs an impressive nine carats. Valued at £9.78 million, it stands as the most expensive ring in the world, a luxury accessible only to the wealthiest individuals.
8. Mobile Phone £1.44 million/$2.4 million
Can you imagine life without your mobile phone? Austrian jeweler Peter Aloisson has designed the iPhone 3G Kings Button, the world’s most expensive mobile phone. The device is adorned with exceptional diamonds and gold, making it a true symbol of luxury. Its home button is set with a remarkable 6.6 carat diamond, while the edges of the phone are lined with white gold, which holds around 138 perfectly cut diamonds. With this creation, Aloisson has set a new record by crafting the priciest iPhone 3G on the planet.
7. Car £750,000/$1.25 million
For those who live and breathe luxury cars, and who find their McLaren F1 no longer thrilling, the Bugatti Veyron is the answer. Priced at around £750,000, this is the most expensive production car ever produced. What do you get for that price? A W-16 engine (two V-8 engines fused into one), equipped with four turbochargers, delivering an astonishing 1001 horsepower. With all-wheel drive, this car hits 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds, covers a quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds, and reaches its top speed of 252 mph in just 55 seconds. After a long hiatus, Bugatti has returned with the ultimate performance car, regaining its title as the world’s most expensive car still in production.
6. House £1.33 billion/$2 billion
Antilla, the residence of Mukesh Ambani, stands as the most expensive home ever built, with a cost surpassing $1 billion. Towering at 570 feet, this luxurious structure is situated in the heart of Mumbai, India, surrounded by poverty-stricken areas. The mansion includes private health clubs for each member of the Ambani family, a six-story garage with a capacity for 168 cars, and vast glass panels throughout the building. Additionally, the estate boasts a panic room, a cinema, lush gardens on every floor, and the employment of around 600 servants and staff.
5. Wine £165,000/$275,000
The 1907 Shipwrecked Heidsieck Champagne comes with a remarkable story. Bottles from the Heidsieck vineyard, lost at sea for decades after a shipwreck near Finland in 1916, were rediscovered in 1997 by divers. These hundred-year-old bottles, originally intended for the Russian Imperial family, are now offered to affluent guests at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Moscow. The wine’s extraordinary journey and antique age contribute to its status as one of the world’s priciest wines.
4. Perfume £129,000/$215,000
If you're searching for a unique Valentine's Day gift, a present for your mother, or a luxurious stocking filler for Aunt Jessie, and money is no issue, Clive Christian’s ‘Imperial Majesty’ perfume might be the answer. Priced at £129,000 per bottle, it was named the most expensive perfume in the world by the Guinness Book of Records. The package includes 16.9 ounces of fragrance in a bottle worthy of royalty, complete with an 18-carat gold collar and a five-carat diamond. Only five bottles exist, making it a rare and extravagant choice. The price also covers delivery by Bentley, so you’ll truly stand out… though your bank account may not. [JFrater: I’ve smelled this perfume and it’s not as impressive as one might think. If you want something a bit more affordable yet exquisite, try the unisex Amouage Tribute Attar – it smells incredible and is priced at $650 for 30ml.]
3. Bra £6.66 million/$10 million
Drawing inspiration from the iconic Angels Collection by Victoria’s Secret, this Fantasy Bra is a divine masterpiece. A symbol of the ethereal grace of the Victoria’s Secret Angels, its design gleams with the brilliance of Angel’s wings. Adorned with 2,900 pavé-set white diamonds in 18k white gold, the piece totals a dazzling 112 carats. The centerpiece of this once-in-a-lifetime creation is a breathtaking 70-carat, pear-shaped flawless diamond.
2. Computer Mouse £12,400/$24,180
For most people, a simple mouse comes with their desktop, only to be replaced when an accidental coffee spill ruins the wheel. However, for some, a mouse is more than a tool—it's a statement. Swiss brand Pat Says Now has crafted the world’s most expensive computer mouse, which is encased in 18-carat white gold and decorated with 59 brilliant-cut diamonds. The mouse features a modern 3-button optical design, offering options for USB or PS/2 connections for both PC and Mac. It boasts an 800 dpi resolution, a three-year warranty, and comes in two designs: 'Diamond Flower' and 'Scattered Diamond'. You can even add your initials in diamonds, and choose between yellow, red, or white gold with black or white trim.
1. Teddy Bear £43,000/$71,500
The £43,000 bear is crafted with fur made from real gold, and its eyes feature sapphires and diamonds. Steiff, renowned for creating the world’s first teddy bear, designed this golden version to commemorate its 125th anniversary. This limited edition bear boasts a mouth of solid gold, fur spun from golden thread, and eyes with sapphire pupils and irises set with 20 diamonds. Only 125 of these exclusive Jubilee Bears were made.
