Pet Houses: Crystal Studded ‘Hello Kitty’ Dog Bed

Check out this cute blingy dog/cat bed. Decorated with around 7,600 crystal beads, this luxury doghouse and bed is priced at a huge $30,000. It has a pink cushion for the dog to lie down on, in the shape of the ‘Hello Kitty’ character. This pink cushion is also decorated with sparkling crystals.

Luxury dog house studded with crystals

This luxury crystal-embellished dog bed is not very big, and can only house small dogs like a Chihuahua or a terrier, or maybe a cat. It was designed for a special sales event by a department store in Tokyo, Japan. Not many of these luxury dog houses or kennels are available, as this was an exclusive item for promotional purposes only.

What do you think of this crystal-studded dog house bed? Would you like one for your dog, or are you afraid your pet would mess it up?

World's Most Expensive Champagne Cooler – Van Perckens Cooler For $724,460

The world’s most expensive champagne cooler is a limited-edition Van Perckens champagne cooler made from solid gold, which is priced at an astounding $724,460. This luxury champagne bucket is made from seven kilograms of 20 carat gold, and has precious stones studded all over it.

The solid gold Van Perckens champagne cooler bucket

When rich folk celebrate, they do it in style. Donald Trump, the famous real estate billionaire is known to have spent $365,000 on a mobile champagne cooler. Hence, many elite high-net individuals are expected to want to buy this luxury champagne bucket, for enhancing their status at their private celebratory parties.

Dutch craftsman making the gold champagne bucket

The Van Perckens luxury champagne cooler is a combination of gold, crystal, precious stones and traditional Dutch craftsmanship. It is a work of art, which could one day prove to be of great value, as it is a limited-edition champagne cooler. Billionaires spend millions on champagne at their parties, and this champagne bucket will allow them serve champagne in fine style.

The Van Perckens luxury champagne cooler is also available in sterling silver, and silver/gold. Each champagne cooler comes in a Rosewood case with gold embellishments. Inside the case is a sliding drawer which contains a pair of tailored black gloves, and six champagne tulip glasses.

The luxury champagne cooler with its rosewood case

If a customer wishes, Van Perckens will customise the design of the luxury champagne cooler to meet their needs. Each champagne bucket is available for sale for the price of $724,460, or Euro 500,000.

What do you think of this luxury champagne cooler? Would you like one for showing off to your super-elite guests?

From: Van Perckens

Louis Vuitton Pumpkin Bag By Yayoi Kusama For $133,430

Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama has worked with Louis Vuitton to create this unique Pumpkin Bag, which will be available at the Selfridges luxury store in London. This pumpkin purse designed by Yayoi Kusama is called the Kusama Pumpkin Minaudière bag. It is available for sale for the price of $133,430.

Black-and-gold pumpkin-shaped purse by Yayoi Kusama

The black-and-gold Pumpkin Minaudière bag is handcrafted, and was inspired by the small evening bags used by the French glitterati in the 30s, which used to be designed by local French jewellers. It is made from black resin, pure gold and metal, and has a gold chain strap, which can be hung across the shoulder. The inside of the purse is made from black leather, and can comfortably hold a mobile phone, money/cards and a few makeup items.

Louis Vuitton's pumpkin minaudiere purse

As its name shows, the Kusama Pumpkin Minaudière bag is shaped like a pumpkin, which is the trademark motif of Yayoi Kusama. Each bag was carefully handcrafted by master craftsmen from Louis Vuitton. With its price tag of $133,430, we can clearly say that the Kusama Pumpkin Minaudière bag is one of the world’s most expensive purses.

Yayoi Kusama has made only five of these limited-edition pumpkin purses for Louis Vuitton, which will all be on sale at Selfridges. What do you think of this Louis Vuitton Pumpkin purse? What sort of a party would you carry it to?

World’s Most Expensive Water Bottle – Aurum 79

Wondered what sort of water really rich people drink? Take a look at the world’s most expensive water bottle. This luxury water bottle will be debuting at the Big Boys Toys exhibition (a premier luxury lifestyle exhibition), which is scheduled to be held in the Middle East in 2012.

World's most expensive water bottle with diamonds and gold

The Aurum 79 water bottle is made from the finest crystal glass. It is decorated with designs in pure 24-carat gold, and has a total of 113 sparkling diamonds stuck on it in the shape of the number '79'. This luxury water bottle is filled with 0.5 litres of pure spring water collected from the artesian source in St. Leonhard, Germany. This water is decorated with flakes of pure edible gold, to enhance its look, and make it attractive for rich buyers and Middle Eastern sheikhs.

Only three limited-edition luxury water bottles will be made. Each will be available for sale for the price of $900,000. About 10 percent from the sale of this luxury water bottle will be donated to a charity called ‘Charity Water’. This organisation is a non-profit organisation that works to bring clean and safe drinking water, to people from developing countries who need it.

What do you think of this luxury gold water bottle? Would you like to drink water with flakes of gold floating about in it?

Pure Solid-Gold VISA Infinite Card - By Sberbank

Check out this pure-gold VISA Infinite Card, decorated with diamonds. This solid gold VISA debit card has been launched by Kazakhstan’s Sberbank in partnership with VISA. It is available by invitation only, to the top 100 customers of Kazakhstan’s Sberbank.

Luxury debit and credit cards offer a unique status-symbol to their owner, and look stylish when they are flashed at malls and stores. Banks like Sberbank have recognised the needs of their elite customers with regard to luxury credit cards, and have begun offering them expensive bejewelled premium cards.

Sberbank's pure gold Visa Infinite card with diamonds and brushed-gold surface

Sberbank’s pure gold VISA Infinite Card is made of solid gold, and has 26 diamonds embedded on it, with a total weight of 0.17 carats. The card has designs in mother of pearl, with a brushed gold finish. It shows a figure of an ancient warrior riding a tiger, and was designed by Rosan Diamond in Russia. The solid gold VISA Infinite Card of Sberbank will act as a companion card to the bank’s standard Visa Infinite card.

This pure gold debit card with diamonds is the world’s first diamond and gold debit card. Rich owners of this card, will also get other facilities such as access to a personal manager, purchase protection for stolen goods, and premium travel and health insurance. They can also use their solid gold and diamond card to access Visa Premium Access privileges.

What do you think of this diamond and gold VISA card? What would be the check-out staff’s reaction if you flashed it at your local supermarket?

World's Most Expensive iPhone 5 Case – Ultimate Bling

Many companies have been launching expensive iPhone 5 cases to become the ‘world’s most expensive iPhone 5 case’. The latest company to join this line of record breakers is UUnique London, a British manufacturer of luxury mobile cases and pouches, with their $302,985 London Lotus iPhone case.

The $302,985 London Lotus iPhone cover

This luxury iPhone cover was launched by Mischa Barton (Hollywood actress) in London at a glittering event held in Kensington Gardens. The $302,985 London Lotus iPhone cover by UUnique London is decorated with 18-carat rose gold, and sparkling pink and white diamonds. It has floral designs and lotus motifs, hence, it’s name.

Lots of people have gone crazy over the iPhone 5, and have purchased one. Such expensive phone covers are a great buy for those ultra-elite individuals, who wish to differentiate their iPhone 5s from the iPhone 5s purchased by the simple wannabes in their workplace, and other areas.

Mischa Barton with the lotus iPhone 5 case

Previously, the record for the world’s most expensive iPhone case belonged to the New York-based Natural Sapphire Company, who were selling their ruby and sapphire encrusted iPhone 5 covers for $100,000. Also check out these beautiful iPhone cases by Anita Mai Tan.

What do you think of this glittering, diamond coated iPhone5 cover?

World’s Most Expensive Shoe – Diamond Pumps Costing $500,000

This diamond-studded high-heeled shoe has broken all records to become the world’s most expensive shoe. The Cinderella’s glass slippers-like pump is studded with white diamonds that are worth around half a million dollars. It is obvious that this shoe must have taken many long hours to fabricate.

The beautiful Cinderella-style diamond studded high-heeled shoe

This diamond-studded Cinderella shoe was designed by Kathryn Wilson, a leading footwear designer from New Zealand, who partnered with jewellery designer Sarah Hutchings (from Orsini Fine Jewellery) to create this beautiful piece of art. Special tweezers and adhesive were used to painstakingly glue the white diamonds to this single classic court-heeled shoe.

Sarah Hutchins gluing diamonds on the shoe

However, this $500,000 shoe was merely for display, and was not meant to be worn, even if bought (if any of the diamonds fell off, it would be a big loss). It was displayed in a specially made Perspex box at the Orsini Fine Jewellery showroom in Auckland in October 2012. The diamond Cinderella shoe was later put up for sale at a silent auction, with the proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House.

Almost every little girl dreams of growing up to become a Disney Princess, and wearing a diamond-studded glass slipper shoe like this. What do you think of the world’s most expensive shoe? Would you like to wear this diamond-studded Cinderella slipper or order one for a friend?

Mickey Mouse Pure-Gold Christmas Tree - $4.2 Million

Check out this pure gold Christmas Tree, with charming Disney figures like Mickey Mouse, decorating it. Made by Japan based jeweller Ginza Tanaka, this pure-gold Christmas Tree is now the most expensive Christmas tree in the world.

Ginza Tanaka is a jewelry design company based in Tokyo, Japan, with more than 115 years experience in creating opulent pieces of jewelry, fabricated from precious metals like gold, silver and platinum.

Features of the Pure-Gold Christmas Tree

The gold Christmas Tree designed by the jewelry company is made from 48 kilos of pure gold, and stands about 2.4 metres tall. It is 1.2 metres in diameter, and revolves on a dais, to display the 50 cut-outs of Disney characters on it. These Disney characters include Mickey Mouse, Alice, Genie, Aladdin and Cinderella, amongst many others.

Pure-gold revolving Christmas tree from Japan

All these characters are silhouette cut-outs made from pure gold. The Christmas Tree is topped with a giant gold cut-out of Mickey Mouse’s head. The Mickey Mouse Christmas Tree also has ribbons made from gold leaf, draped over it, to increase its splendour. This gold tree took about two months to complete, with about 10 master craftsmen from the jewelry store working on it, during that period.

In the past, this Tokyo-based jewelry company had launched a pure-gold Christmas Tree, priced at $2 million. With this bigger gold Christmas tree priced at $4.2 million, they have broken all records for the most expensive Christmas Tree in the world. The tree will be on display till December 2nd, by which it is expected to get sold.

Disney characters on the real-gold Christmas tree

If you find this Disney Christmas Tree too expensive for your Holiday budget, the Japan-based jewelry company also offers a smaller gold tree, which costs less. This tree measures only about 25 centimetres in height, has 20 Disney characters, and can be bought for the price of $243,000.

The miniature version of the pure-gold Disney Christmas Tree is already reported to have found a few billionaire buyers, including some celebrities and business tycoons. It makes a great Christmas gift for the elite, as gold is always a good investment too!

What do you think of this pure-gold Christmas Tree? Would you buy it as a Christmas gift?

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Expensive Designer Christmas Stockings by Karl Lagerfeld

If you are looking to gift someone a pair of expensive designer stockings this Christmas, then read on. Karl Lagerfield’s grey ski-boot like Christmas stockings is the rage, amongst elite buyers.

This pair of designer Christmas stockings can be bought at the Selfridges store on Oxford Street, a luxury department store that are famous for its opulent window displays and sparkling Christmas décor.

Luxury designer Christmas stockings by Karl Lagerfield

The fashionable Christmas stockings designed by Karl Lagerfield are priced at $307. They have a monochrome design in black and grey, and are shaped to resemble a ski boot.

What do you think of this designer Christmas stocking? Would Santa be impressed when he slides down the chimney on Christmas eve?

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Romanov Luxury Christmas Crackers

A great way to add some extra bang to your Christmas celebrations is through Romanov’s luxury Christmas crackers. Unlike regular Christmas crackers, these luxury crackers have been crafted and decorated with hand, using the finest golden trims available.

The pack of Romanov Christmas crackers with the luxury gifts they contain.

Each Romanov Christmas cracker contains customised handmade headgear (like a cloth crown), a Christmas humour and trivia booklet, and one of these six  individually wrapped gifts. These gifts include:

• A silk scarf with a crystal scarf pin.
• A leather card case made from Italian leather. 
• A crystal-covered Cloisonne box.
• A leather flash drive (USB) and a chrome pen.. 
• A Stag-antler corkscrew and bottle opener. 
• A pair of Crown Monde earrings.

Just get someone to help you pull the ends of the cracker, and the gifts will drop out with a huge bang. A box of six Romanov Christmas crackers is priced at US $952. They are available for sale at Harrods stores.

The gold Christmas cracker with the expensive luxury gifts they include.

Do you buy Christmas crackers to celebrate Christmas? What would you feel if one of these luxury gifts popped out of a Christmas cracker that you pulled?

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Sapphire and Diamond Studded iPad Mini Case At $700,000

Have you pre-ordered an iPad Mini, yet? If yes, then you’ll be needing a trendy iPad Mini case to hold it in. While there are many plastic and crystal studded iPad Mini back covers in the market, there is no case like this sapphire and diamond encrusted iPad mini holder made by The Natural Sapphire Company in New York.

Priced at a whopping $700,000, this iPad Mini back case not only comfortably holds the smartphone, but is also an astounding piece of jewellery that is sure to attract eyeballs. The iPad Mini is a new gadget by Apple, which is half the size of an iPad, but has all the features of the big iPad. It is being touted as being 'every inch an iPad', as it delivers the same user experience, even though it is smaller in size.

 The new palm-fitting Apple iPad Mini

The Apple iPad Mini is priced at $329 onwards, and was completely sold out, within moments of it being available for sale online, when pre-orders first opened on October 26th, 2012. With this product, Apple has entered the market for small tablets. While the small tablet market is already saturated with cheaper and smaller-sized tablets, the Apple product is expected to be a top seller, mainly because of its brand value.

With the hope that a large number of people will soon be using the Apple iPad Mini, many companies have launched a range of tablet cases, back covers and holders for the product. Among them is The Natural Sapphire Company, which has come out with the most expensive iPad Mini holder ever: priced at an astounding $700,000. This expensive iPad back cover is targeted at rich millionaires and celebrities who want to make a unique style statement.

Diamond and sapphire studded iPad Mini back cover

The $700,000 diamond and sapphire encrusted iPad Mini case, is a larger and improved version of the iPhone 5 case holder, previously launched by the same company. It features a body made of 18K polished white gold, studded with 3,328 natural Ceylon blue sapphires weighing a total of 599 carats. The case holder also has an Apple logo created from 50 round brilliant diamonds weighing a total of five carats.

Phone covers and back cases usually make affordable Holiday gifts for a friend or family member who already owns the popular gadget. So, think about this gift idea this Christmas and Hanukkah.

If the price of $700,000 for this Apple iPad Mini back cover is too much for you to pay in a single go, you can choose to buy it in three ‘easy’ instalments of $233,333. Now would you buy this back case for your iPad Mini?

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Getting A Fashionable 24K Gold Tattoo For $120

With many celebrities showing off their tattoos, even regular people wish to sport those cool designs on their body…and now the latest in body fashion is pure gold tattoos. Tattoos with gold ink are more expensive than regular tattoos, mainly because of the more glamorous look they offer.

 Packets of Christian Dior gold tattoos

However, if you fear the prick of the needle and getting inked, you can always choose a temporary tattoo, such as Christian Dior’s 24K gold tattoos. Many celebrities are turning to temporary tattoos such as these gold tattoos, to look more stylish at fashion do’s, parties and events. Each pure gold Christian Dior tattoo is priced at $120, and comes in elegant designs. As they are temporary, you can change them according to the occasion and your dress.

Gold tattoos on wrist and finger to resemble jewelry (ring and bracelet)

Christian Dior’s collection of limited edition pure gold tattoos are made using 24-carat gold leafing, by Camille Miceli (a famous jewellery designer). These gold tattoos are available in different styles, such as chain bracelets, cuffs, delicate rings, and charms. Of course, these tattoos are not the first gold tattoos or the most expensive; there are many other companies that have launched gold tattoos, but these have really beautiful designs.

Some celebrities who have famous tattoos are David Beckham, Angelina Jolie (more than 13), Megan Fox and Cheryl Cole.

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Mercedes-Benz Perfume For Women

Mercedes Benz has launched its first-ever perfume for women. Other than manufacturing cars, Mercedes-Benz also has a line of lifestyle products for its elite clientele, which comprises the rich and famous of the world.

Bottle of Mercedes Benz Scent for Women

In December 2011, Mercedes Benz had released its first perfume ever: a fragrance for men, developed by Olivier Cresp of Firmenich, a famous perfumer. Driven by the success of this fragrance, the German auto manufacturer is now expanding its line of perfumes, by introducing this new Mercedes Benz perfume for women.

Features of Mercedes Benz’s Perfume For Ladies

This new perfume from Mercedes Benz has been created by Michel Almairac, another renowned perfumer. The fragrance includes:

• Top notes from crisp chords of bergamot and juicy peach. 
• Middle notes from the mimosa plant, which are floral notes with a subtle and delicate fragrance. 
• Base notes from a variety of herbs, including patchouli and vanilla; together with white musk.

The Mercedes-Benz perfume for women comes in a curved bottle with a large silver stopper. The design of the perfume bottle is minimalist, yet elegant. However, this perfume will be available in stores only from 2013 onwards; hence, you won’t be able to buy it as a gift this Christmas.

Gold Christmas and Hanukkah Greeting Cards For $5,000

Gilded Age Greetings, a Florida-based greeting card retailer, has introduced a series of unique holiday greeting cards, embellished with jewels and 23 carat gold. Elite millionaires around the world will find these intricate cards a great way to greet their loved ones, this Christmas or Hanukkah.

These customised gilded holiday greeting cards may be studded with a variety of jewels and precious stones, which include rare yellow diamonds, emeralds, rubies, diamonds and sparkling Swarovski crystals. The cards can also include designs in 23 carat gold.

Handpainted Hanukkah greeting card, with gold and jewel embellishments

The most expensive of these Christmas and Hanukkah greeting cards are designed by Rosemary Buczek (the co-founder of Gilded Age Greetings and a fine artist). These greeting cards have original paintings on them, together with jewels and other embellishments.

Each hand-painted holiday greeting card is painted on real calf vellum and archival papers, using a palette of colours that include hand ground pigments, such as blues made from powdered Lapis Lazuli and greens made from Malachite. Priced at above $5,000, these bejewelled holiday cards are part of the ‘Grand Couture’ line.

Handpainted Christmas card with pure gold designs and precious stones

Gilded Age Greetings also produces cheaper holiday greeting cards adorned with 23 carat gold and jewels, as part of their Couture line of gilded cards. These cards are priced in the range of $1,000 and $5,000.

All gilded greeting cards come with a certificate from the artist for proof of authenticity, and are presented in a black silk box with white gloves.

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Luxury Baby Strollers and Car Seats by Romero Britto

Looking for something exotic for your new baby? Check out these luxury baby strollers and luxury baby car seats, designed by Brazilian artist Romero Britto. A neo-pop artist and sculptor, Romero Britto is best known for his vibrant artwork, which combines elements from cubism, graffiti and pop art.

This line of luxury baby strollers and baby car seats was launched by the Dorel Juvenile Group, as part of their special line of Quinny and Maxi-Cosi products. This will be the first time people will be able to view Romero Britto’s art work out of an art gallery or art museum…and on a baby stroller and infant car seat.

The Romero Britto designed luxury baby stroller has been named ‘Moodd by Britto’. It unfolds automatically, and is compatible with other Quinny products, like the Maxi-Cosi baby car seats, and the Dreami bassinet one-hand recline. This luxury baby stroller will be sold for the retail price of $900. The Max-Cosi Mico luxury baby car seat, which also has Romero Britto’s artwork, can be purchased for just $250.

Sapphire and Ruby Studded iPhone 5 Case For $100,000

Have you got an iPhone yet? If you have, you’ll surely be looking for a trendy case to hold it safe. Here is a photo of a sapphire and ruby iPhone 5 case, touted to be the most expensive iPhone 5 case in the world. Priced at a staggering $100,000, this beautiful iPhone 5 cover was crafted by The Natural Sapphire Company, a New-York based company that specialises in crafting extraordinary gifts from natural untreated sapphires.

The iPhone 5 has a thinner and slimmer design that the previous iPhones, which is why new fashionable cases have to be designed for it. According to estimates by Apple (the manufacturer of the iPhone 5), the company expects to sell as many as 48.2 Apple iPhones by December 2012. Gadget freaks are eagerly awaiting the launch of the Apple iPhone 5 in their country, so that they can go ahead and purchase it.

The $100,000 iPhone case launched by The Natural Sapphire Company plans to end the competition for the ‘most expensive iPhone 5 case in the world’. This iPhone 5 cover is covered with natural sapphires and rubies, and has been specially crafted from 18 carat white gold. It has a total of 2,830 natural blue Ceylon sapphires, measuring 169.8 carats in total. The Apple logo on the iPhone 5 gold case has 38 coloured natural rubies, which measure 2.28 carats in total. The green leaf of the Apple on the case has been made from a single natural green sapphire.

In addition, customers who wish to purchase this iPhone case also have the option of asking The Natural Sapphire Company to customise the design and precious stones used on it. The firm allows you to select from sapphires in yellow, pink and platinum, to decorate your customised iPhone 5 case.

Are you interested in purchasing the Apple iPhone 5? Would you want a stylish expensive cover to go with your iPhone?

Farbod Barsum’s Mona Handbag

Check out this red alligator skin purse by Farbod Barsum. The famous handbag designer recently launched ‘The Mona’, a red handbag made from ultra-soft alligator skin. Farbod Barsum is a bag company that makes purses and handbags, from alligator skin, ostrich skin and other exotic materials, which have been farmed and harvested.

Leading celebrities have been photographed carrying Farbod Barsum handbags and purses. This includes names like Heidi Klum and Christina Hendricks. In the past, Farbod Barsum gained lots of publicity through handbags and purses, like the:

• The Birkin Bag, with gold and diamonds. 
• The Birkin Handbag, costing a whopping $1.9 million dollars. 
• The Passe-Guide bags and purses.

‘The Mona’ handbag of Farbod Barsum is a supposed artistic creation, priced at a huge $31,980 to be exact. It is made from Strawberry American Alligator Ultrasoft Grade skin. As the strawberry red dye used in the manufacture of the alligator skin is a special exclusive shade, it makes the bag one-of a kind. Hence, the high price of The Mona handbag at $32,000.

Jil Sanders Paper Bag – Most Expensive In The World

Priced at $290, the Jil Sanders Paper Bag is a luxury that only rich millionaires will be able to afford. Being priced such, it is believed to be the most expensive paper bag in the world! The Jil Sander fashion line has always been known for its simple elegant designs, and their designer paper bag is no exception.

As the brand is popular with celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Kanye West, the Jil Sanders paper bags were sold out in no time at all. This happened at the fashion house’s store in SoHo. According to Mildred Fabian, the regional director of the design house, the main reason behind this, is the fact that the paper bag is being considered a ‘fashion statement’ by elite shoppers.

Features of the Jil Sanders Paper Bag

The luxury paper bags designed by Jil Sander’s were part of the men’s fall collection. They are made of treated brown paper, which had been stitched together with seam finish. Each paper bag has metal eyelets at the bottom, together with the Jil Sander logo. Mildred Fabian said that both versions of the paper bag sold out pretty fast, possibly because they were part of Raf Simons last collection.

Now what would one use a $290 paper bag for? Certainly not grocery shopping, unless diamonds and precious stones were being sold in the supermarket!

Jaali and City - Jack Row’s Luxury Pen Collections

Some call them fashionable writing instruments, while some call them luxury pens. Jack Row will launch two new collections of luxury fountain pens at the Goldsmith’s Fair in London, an artistic jewellery exhibition that showcases the works of talented independent-manufacturers from across Britain.

Jack Row is an award-winning British craftsperson and designer, who has produced numerous exquisitely designed products, which are valued both as extraordinary art pieces, as well as functional items. Of these products, Jack Row has gained the most fame for his bespoke fountain pens and luxury writing instruments.

Only 26 years old, Jack Row graduated from The Birmingham School of Jewellery. In 2011, he launched the ‘Architech’ collection of fountain pens made from precious metals, which were sold at the famous luxury store Harrods.

Jack Row usually works with expensive metals like silver, gold and platinum, together with a variety of precious gems. He combines traditional goldsmith skills with modern jewellery design technology, to create incredible objets d’art.

Jack Row’s Jaali and City Luxury Fountain Pens

Jack Row will now be launching his new collections of luxury fountain pens and writing instruments at the Goldsmith’s Fair, scheduled to be held from 24th to 30th September 2012, in London, United Kingdom. These collections of exclusive writing pens have been named ‘Jaali’ and ‘City’, and will be displayed together with other pieces of fine jewellery, cufflinks and art pieces crafted by Jack Row.

Each Jack Row luxury fountain pen is hand made from 18 carat gold and solid sterling silver. They have precious petrol-blue diamonds studded all over them. The geometric patterns of the design come from historic Islamic art, such as that seen on the famous Taj Mahal in India. Jack Row was inspired by these designs, especially the Jaali latticed screens, a main feature of Mughal architecture in India.

Each of the Jaali and City pens crafted by Jack Row also has a solid 18ct gold nib, and all fountain pen designs are also available in ball-pen (roller-ball) versions.

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Stingray Skin Shoes and Sneakers - by Rayfish

Shoes and sneakers made of stingray skin are one of the latest fashion fads, with each pair of stingray shoes costing thousands of dollars. Rayfish Footwear Inc. is a stingray shoe manufacturing company that specialises in creating bespoke stingray shoes and sneakers. For $1800, you can choose what design/pattern you want on your stingray shoes, from their collection of patterning and colouring genes of existing stingray species. The company will grow the chosen stingrays in a pool, before harvesting them to create the kind of shoes you want.

Stingray Hide Leather Shoes

Shoes and sneakers made from stingray leather are extremely comfortable, though if you are an animal lover then you would stay clear away from these leather shoes. Another thing, each pair of stingray shoes has an exclusive pattern, ensuring that you won’t find somebody else on the planet wearing the same shoes. The shoes also have strong soles, thick laces and hand-stitched details to guarantee sturdiness, and ensure that the stingray sneakers last for a long time.

Where Are The Stingrays Grown?

Rayfish Footwear Inc has an aqua-culture facility in Thailand, where the stingrays are cultivated until they reach a size, wherein their hide can be harvested for leather. The company uses a variety of bio-engineering techniques to make sure that the selected patterns get imprinted on the stingray’s body, as it grows.

Once the hide of the stingray is harvested, it is transferred to a workshop at Chon Buri in Thailand, where skilled Rayfish workers create the customized shoes. In the past, stingray hide has also been used as material for the manufacture of flashy clothes. According to Raymond Ong, the CEO of Rayfish Footwear, “I saw an opportunity for innovation while keeping true to my family’s long tradition of producing stingray leather goods”.

General production of Rayfish’s stingray hide shoes and sneakers is expected to begin in late 2012. If you wish to own a pair of these colourful patterned shoes earlier, you could participate in the design contest on their company website. All winners will win a pair of customised stingray hide sneakers, once the fish have grown to their harvestable size. Any takers?