Buzz
While lavish jewelry and gem-studded outfits are a common sight on the red carpet, even everyday items like phone cases and accessories often feature sparkling embellishments (though usually not genuine gems). However, some items take this trend to a whole new level with their unique and unexpected use of crystals and jewels. Here’s a look at 13 such fascinating examples.
1. Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head
NYC, Style and a little Cannoli
This version of the beloved classic toys is far from child’s play. These Mr. and Mrs. Potato Heads were meticulously adorned with Swarovski crystals by Jay Strongwater, a renowned creator of jewelry and crystal-embellished collectibles. Featuring over 50,000 crystals, these dazzling toys and their accessories were priced at $8,000 each.
2. A Hot Wheels car
Hot Wheel Collectors
Crafted to commemorate Hot Wheels’ 40th anniversary, this diamond-encrusted car is worth more than $100,000. Made from 18-carat white gold, it boasts over 2,700 blue diamonds. The miniature engine is embellished with black and white diamonds, while the tail lights are crafted from red rubies.
3. A Coffee Machine
Tech Digest
This Nespresso Crystal coffee machine is adorned with 3,100 Swarovski crystals, elevating its price from approximately $250 to over $3,000. It seems some coffee enthusiasts are willing to go to great lengths for their daily brew!
4. A KitchenAid Mixer
Bling Diva Designs
Bling Diva Designs transformed this mixer into a sparkling masterpiece by covering it with over 8,000 crystals. Originally created as a bridal shower gift for Katherine Kallinis, co-owner of Georgetown Cupcake, these customized mixers are now available for $2,000, allowing you to choose your preferred color and add a touch of glamour to your kitchen.
5. A Dog Bowl
The Rich Times
Perhaps someone believed their pet might feel left out amidst all the luxurious kitchen gadgets. This bowl, crafted by BB Simon, is meticulously hand-encrusted with Swarovski crystals and features a striking skull and crossbones motif. Priced at approximately $1,300, it’s a lavish addition to any pet’s dining experience.
6. Eggs
Etsy/The Glittered Squirrel
On Etsy, you’ll discover a genuine egg embellished with Swarovski crystals, alongside other dazzling egg designs. These eggs are hollowed out, coated with silver leaf, and meticulously hand-decorated with crystals. The featured egg is priced at $550 and appears to be a unique, one-of-a-kind piece.
7. A Toilet
BornRich
Several toilets adorned with crystals have been designed to bring a touch of luxury to otherwise ordinary bathrooms. The toilet shown here costs $75,000, while other crystal-covered versions exceed $100,000. This design comes from the same creator behind a lavish gold-plated toilet valued at over $300,000.
8. A Vacuum Cleaner
Piece of Cake PR
While not entirely encrusted in jewels like many other items on this list, this is certainly one of the more unconventional objects to be adorned with diamonds. This vacuum, designed by GoVacuum, was inspired by the success of their million-dollar gold-plated model. It features a silver-plated handle, a power nozzle dusted with diamond particles, and an outer filter bag embellished with 1,000 Swarovski crystals. GoVacuum has labeled this item as “priceless” and is offering it as a prize in a contest, making it a one-of-a-kind treasure.
9. A Fishing Lure
The Most Expensive Journal
This diamond-encrusted fishing lure is the epitome of luxury for any angler aiming to catch the big one in style—assuming they can afford it. Crafted by MacDaddy’s, the Million-Dollar Lure is adorned with 100 carats of diamonds and rubies. Despite its extravagant appearance, it has proven functional, having been used in a fishing tournament in California.
10. Luggage
BornRich
This piece from the Samsonite Black Label collection—a modern reinterpretation of a 1920s trunk embellished with Swarovski crystals—is bound to turn heads at the airport, though it’s incredibly rare. Only 30 were produced and sold in 2008 when the line debuted. While the exact price isn’t disclosed, it’s safe to assume these trunks commanded a hefty price tag.
11. Staircases
Sydney Morning Herald
The reception area of the MSC Splendida, often hailed as the “world’s most beautiful ship,” features two stunning crystal staircases. Each step is embedded with approximately $40,000 worth of Swarovski crystals, bringing the total value of the 72-step staircases to an impressive $2.8 million.
12. A Car
Getty Images
To be precise, a Mercedes Benz. This car was customized by Garson USA and is embellished with over 300,000 Swarovski crystals. Valued at around $1 million, it’s guaranteed to turn heads on the road. The crystal-covered Mercedes has been showcased at numerous auto shows in recent years.
13. A Skull
Oh Gizmo!
This artwork, titled "For the Love of God," is the creation of British artist Damien Hirst. The base of the piece is an authentic 18th-century skull. The entire skull, excluding the teeth, was coated in platinum and then encrusted with 8,601 flawless diamonds, totaling over 1,100 carats. A standout feature is the 52-carat pink diamond on the forehead, valued at millions. The diamonds alone cost over $22 million, a fraction of the potential price Hirst could command for this masterpiece.
