Golf may be the game of the Richie Richs today but in the days gone by, it was chess (hands down) that mainly defined the leisure time of the Royalty and the intellectuals. We have witnessed quite an interesting range of some luxurious adaptations of the board game in the past. And today, we have one more. The limited edition lacquered chess sets from Japan Brand deserve a respectable place in your uber-rich house for it exudes such a charm that it should not get anything less!

These unqiue design patterns have been created by a New York designer, Alexander Gelman. He has developed the chess sets in four different types of extremely fine Japanese craftsmanship – fuki-urushi (wood lacquering), makie (gold lacquering), haku (platinum lacquering) and kutani (hand decorated ceramic pieces with intricate patterns).
As of now, the chess sets are on display at the Fellissimo Design House in Manhattane to excite New Yorkers. They will be available for made to order at a price lying between $80K and $123K depending on the craftsmanship. Apparently, Gelman wants his city mates to see an alternate way of life via these magnificent artworks!

Via breitbart

If music is a passion and money is not a problem, then pause a moment to take a look at the Regence Style Concert Grand Piano that was created by Sebastien Erard Paris. Well, this spectacular musical instrument is up for bidding and it is expected to fetch big bucks. With its rather grand length of 246 cm, this unique masterpiece was first seen participating in the the International Universal Exposition of Industry way back in 1889 in Paris.

Right now, one can take a look at the piano at Loiret in France. We are told that the case of the grand instrument has been painted in hand with a signature of the noted painter Heber Lippmann. He has portrayed the 18th entury Flemish country sides, ocean as well as river scenes.
The Regence Style Concert Grand Piano sits heavy on a six legged gold plated base. The 18th century theme atop the face of the piano is kept intact with cembalis of the similar styles attched to the legs. The auction begins in December 5th with the opening bid at $225,000.

Via billionairexchange

Steampunk is a design trend that is really catching on with even some mainstream designers taking inspiration from those who love to rev it up and create that unusual yet unique look. The Millennium Chess Table is a wonderful example of the perfect Steampunk design integrated with cool features that make it a truck load of fun. Build to please the Star Wars loyal, the table follows the design of the ship religiously and with meticulous detail. The 50 seconds of music and lighting that emanates from the in-built flash drive mimics the scene from movie as well.

The designs of the table along with its audio and video capabilities make it an exclusively unique piece, that the maker claims would not be repeated by him. Of course, he promises to make non-Steampunk-styled versions of the table and sell them off.

Perfect as a conversation piece in the heart of your living room, its Steampunk style will be the perfect contrast to the regular minimalist style that most modern homes and interiors sport. With various light-patterns built in and switches to control them placed on the table, this will be a lot more than a static piece. Interactive and exclusive, check out the video for the nostalgic trip back in time… and space!

Therpf

We think luxury breeds luxury. And we do not mean it in an infestation sort of a way! It’s simple that luxury impresses one enough to acquire more luxury. Take fine champagne for instance. A nice and exclusive bottle of your favorite fizzy wine easily deserves to be served in the right kind of glass and in a fine champage bowl. This article focuses on the latter.

Brand Christofle has set out to bring to you the extra large champagne bowl that has been made in hand, and spectacularly so too. This one is definitely a collector’s item. Called the Extra Large Champagne Bowl (yeah, now that name’s far from innovative but the bowl definitely is) this one is being sold under the name Christofle Belle Epoque. We are told that this creation is the baby of the collaboration between the two maisons.

Credit for the eloquent design goes to Emile Galle who created it in 1902. No wonder, this piece is so valuable. The extraordinary art work deserves to be impressed upon our memories for life. You bet, this one comes expensive.

Via veraclasse

We like festivities. First it were the orange pumpkin faces adorning the decorations and now they have given way to the Christmas-sy stuff. It is always exciting to hang that first bauble and if the object in question comes with a $136,000 price tag, then you can actually photograph the event in your memory. Well, a very beautiful bauble made from 18 carat white gold and decorated with one and a half thousand sparkling diamonds is creating a buzz in the luxury markets.

A real treat to the eyes, this spectacular piece will bring a whole new shine to your Christmas with a big hole in your purse, but who cares as long as you can enjoy a festival a bit more than usual. Apparently, diamonds aren’t the only precious stones used atop this one. In fact, there are some 188 red rubies too that shine on the two stunning rings of 18 carat fat gold wire revolving around the bauble.

We are told that it took almost a year to develop, design and manufacture this unique bauble. And all the credit for it must go to 38 year old Mar Hussey, who is the owner of Hallmark Jewelers, for conceptualising this ultra-luxe item.

Via telegraph

Linley is a British group well known for creating the most amazing storage boxes for collector’s items, jewelry and even cigars and wines. And we mean no ordinary box by that. The brand has a long history of creating the most spectacular architectural patterns on these containers making them no less than a work of art. And the newest offering from this group is a humidor that has been tremendously inspired by the  iconic Partagas Factory in Cuba.

This unique box has been made in sycamore, using cherry moldings as well as lippings and marquetry detailing in the finest walnut, of course sycamore and ebony. If the exterior has impressed you well enough, then let’s move inside to see the gorgeous Spanish cedarwood. This fine wood has been integrated with a ‘CigarSpa’ humidification system.

Linley has ensured that this new humidor has plenty of hidden drawers and compartments to further add to its charm. Plus this little feat has enough space to pack in 100 limited edition cigars from Partgas Serie D. This one will be sold as a single item. Expect the price to hit the roof.

Via 20ltd

Unlike the popular belief, recycling can be a whole bagful of fun. In fact, lately we have come across several examples of recycling that burst the bubble of the aforementioned myth. Take the case of classic Vespa scooters for example. We have witnessed how the scraps of old autombiles have been used to contribute majorly to a green lifestyle. In fact, recycled bike furniture as well as the reuse of aircraft parts to make real stylish chairs and tables have all been greatly appreciated.

Well, this furniture range just got wider with the vintage Vespa scooters adding their own special charm. The Spanish design studio, Bel & Bel has taken up the task of converting the discarded Vespa scooters and into real cool office furniture.

That is not all. The design team has lent the handmade upholstered chairs a whole range of colors to gel with your office decor. Apart from the chairs, one can also get these unqiue scultpure models that let’s say combine the scooter handle and lower body of a mannequin. It does sound a bit crazy but it sure looks quirky and good.

Via blog.motorcycle

Looking for a real heavy dose of luxury for your bathroom, are you? The Marquise Collection will definitely bowl you over. The THG’s Art Deco bathtub is a very tasteful treat that has been immensly influenced by Bernardaud’s china pattern. It’s like a wonderful blend of traditional French chateaux pattern with the latest in technology.

A bay leaf garland comes as an integral part of the  tub. It has all been done up in gold with a lot of care and a finishing to ensure that the magic never fades, peels or scratches away.

You also have the option to go match the Marquise tub with matching faucets and coordinating accessories. If you have a sneaky feeling that we are suggesting a complete makeover for your family, you are absolutely right for that’s precisely what we are doing. The price tag reads $44,00 excluding the frieght charges from France (because that’s where it is produced). There are several stylized forms and geometric designs that you would definitely wanna see in your plush bathing facility of a luxury room.

Via thgusa

What’s more, it has inset diamonds and 18ct gold parts. It wears this sleek look but that is just part of it. A lot of hard work went into building the bike. Jeweller Nicholas James of Hatton Garden to customize the bike. Not so surprisingly, building the bike took several months of labour to complete.

Would someone ever want to take this bike out into the open and ride it among people? The dazed wife cannot too, for a while, because the magnificent piece will be on display at Nicholas James’ showroom in Hatton Garden till December end.

So it is not before the year turns that she can soar on roads riding the once-in-lifetime experience piece. The bicycle costed Foo-Kune’s husband £10,000.
Via: Quickrelease

Love it or hate, but you can’t ignore it. We mean brand Vertu that has a great liking for blinging up mobile phones for those seeking luxury and style. It’s agreed that some of the designs are over the top and so are their price tags. But the fact remains that Vertu has a very strong line of loyalists. And it is for them alone that the brand has released the new Constellation Ayxta.

Keeping true to the Vertu tradition as witnessed in the Ascent, Signature and the current Constellation version, the Ayxta too flaunts the finest craftsmanship ever seen. There is a leather trim too with a round the clock access to the company’s concierge service from any place in the world.

The Ayxta phone also packs in a 3 megapixel camera complete with the flash option as well as an 8 gig micro SD slot and 3G wireless connection. The price tag hits the roof cast between $6,500 and $8,500. Most of us would disagree with it but the esteemed Vertu clientele would understand that the cost of a Vertu masterpiece is priceless. Touche!

Via vertu