Wolrd's Largest Diamond Mine

This diamond mine in eastern Siberia (Mirny, to be exact) is so deep that the surrounding "air zone... is closed for helicopters" after "a few accidents when they were 'sucked in' by downward air flow..."

Look for the tiny red arrow in the following photograph; it's pointing to a 220-ton rock-hauling truck more than 20' tall.

(Thanks to JavaFAQ and Javier Arbona [via Kazys Varnelis] for both the link and photos.)

Meanwhile, something altogether different and Jules Vernian is about to occur thanks to some Japanese scientists hoping to drill down into the earth's mantle: "Using a giant drill ship launched [in July 2005], the researchers aim to be the first to punch a hole through the rocky crust that covers our planet and to reach the mantle below."

And then, in an oddly Borgesian, or perhaps MC Escherian, moment of nomenclatural mise-en-abîme, "The 57,500-tonne drill ship Chikyu (Japanese for Earth) is being prepared in the southern port of Nagasaki. Two-thirds the length of the Titanic, it is fitted with technology borrowed from the oil industry that will allow it to bore through 7,000 metres of crust below the seabed while floating in 2,500 metres of water – requiring a drill pipe 25 times the height of the Empire State building."

For some sense of perspective here, the diamond mine, pictured above, is 1200 meters deep; that means that to reach the mantle, the Japanese will have to produce a drill-hole nearly seven times deeper than the mine (which sounds alarmingly easy, actually – I was expecting to be horrified).

In any case, the drill-ship is called *Earth* and it's being drilled down into the earth... The attack of the simulacra begins.

[Note: This post originally stated that the mine was in South Africa – but I've corrected myself thanks to the comment, below. And apologize. It is, in fact, in Russia, as this BBC slideshow – which I actually looked at a few days ago without noticing (uh...) – makes clear. This BBC link also inverts the figures I had, so who knows: I had 1200m deep and 500m wide (which I suppose is a bit unlikely); the Beeb says the opposite. If that is the case, however, then that Japanese bore-hole into the earth's mantle will actually be at least *fourteen times* deeper than the Mirny mine...]

World's Most Expensive Diamond Encrusted Skull

Damien Hirst unveils £50 million diamond skull

Damien Hirst has unveiled his latest bizarre creation - a £50 million diamond encrusted skull.

The "bling" work, entitled For the Love of God, is the most expensive piece of contemporary art.

Propped behind reinforced glass in a darkened room in the White Cube gallery in East London, the skull is covered with 8,601 flawless diamonds - three times the number on the crown the Queen wears on state occasions.

Even the eye sockets and the holes for the nose have been filled with hundreds of jewels. A 52-carat pear-shaped stone is set into the forehead, surrounded by 14 diamonds.

The skull is a platinum replica of a human skull bought by Hirst two years ago in a London taxidermy shop. The original is thought to be that of a 35-year-old man who lived in Europe during the 18th century. The teeth have been taken from the original, polished, and then reset in the cast.

Expensive Diamond Encrusted Cutlury Set

100,000 saucepan brings bling to your cooker

There's meant to be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. But if you have cash to spare, you could find one on your stovetop.
The 11in pot, which has solid gold handles studded with 200 diamonds, is made by German cookware firm Fissler. Wealthy cooks can pick one up made to order at Harrods for £100,000.

The manufacturer insists it can be used like any other saucepan in the range.
Although decorated with almost 2lb of gold, it could be a little heavier than your average aluminium pan.

Fissler is hoping it will be included in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's most precious pot.

If fine dining rather than cooking is more to your taste, you might prefer the 144-piece solid silver cutlery set, set with 4,000 diamonds, on sale at Selfridges for £200,000.

Kit Li-Perry, head of the homewares department at the London store, said: 'This wonderful cutlery set is catering for customers who have a passion for craftsmanship of the highest order where money is no object.'

And for the music fan with everything, a solid gold iPod could be the perfect choice.
A spokesman for Xexoo, the Birmingham-based firm which makes the modified iPods for £10,000, said there was a definite market for such luxuries. 'There is a demand for toys like this,' he said. 'Some customers want just one thing - the best.'

Bling bling: The diamond encrusted saucepan

A fork, which is part of a £200,000 cutlery set

Diamond Encrusted Knives

Bling Swiss Army Knife Picture

For those of us who prefer the finer things, here’s a diamond-encrusted swiss army knife. The “Collection Victoria” is adorned with 800 flawless diamonds, and limited to 120 pieces. From photopress.ch
I’ve actually seen one of these (behind glass) at the Victorinox UK flagship store. It’s pretty!

Based on three-inch Executive-Type knife, the new knives feature a nail file and nail cleaner, orange peeler with screwdriver, ring and tweezers next to a couple of blades. To be the one amongst 120 lucky chaps, you will have to shell out $50,000 for the yellow gold version while the the platinum one will set you back $70,000.

Nesmuk Diamond-Studded Kitchen Knife

This is what happens when a jeweler and a blade-smith come together: a beautiful (if totally impractical) diamond-studded kitchen knife. Quintin Nel and Hoffmann/Pieper are the experts behind this creation, which is part of an exclusive group of handmade knives called "Nesmuk" that are said to be the sharpest and most expensive knives in the world. Each features a sterling silver handle, a carbon steel blade, and 8 diamond accents. It all comes nestled neatly in a piano box along with a coordinating diamond ring for €31,000 (a ring and a knife seems like a strange combo but who am I to judge).

Diamond Keys

Beautifull Diamond Encrusted Keys

Big Jewelry-particularly bling, as some may refer to it, seems like it is here to stay. With no decline of decoration pieces looming on the horizon, it seems that we can now coin items like giant necklaces "investment pieces". If I am sinking the dough into an item, my pick would be this Theo Fennell cross. I like the size and chunkiness, but most of all I like the diamond-encrustment. As they say, diamonds are a girl's best friend.

A celebratory symbol, the Keys collection evokes both mystery and preciousness. The Theo Fennell logo plays an integral part in the design, giving this classic piece an elegant signature.This white gold pendant is adorned with brilliant cut black and white diamond pavé.

Special Diamond Key For Heart from Tiffany & Co.

Diamond Encrusted Glasses

TAG Heuer L-Type Series Diamond Shield Opticals

With the holidays creeping up faster than you can think, TAG Heuer is releasing new eyewear with stunning results.
My favorite series of the TAG Heuer’s new eyewear offerings is the L-Type Series, particularly the Diamond Shield opticals. TAG Heuer Diamond Shield glasses have too many features to count including alligator mat brown gold temples, palladium coated metallic parts, black elastomere, 23 diamonds, and a patented design.
However, the Diamond Shield glasses patented design is the most appealing attribute of these eye-catching glasses. The elastomere is embedded underneath the embroided leather to increase flexibility. Each and every metal component is also brushed by hand increasing quality and endurance.
Finally, the luxurious feel of the L-type collection is worth every penny you will spend on the Diamond Shield glasses. The entire L-type collection is made from diverse materials including alligator skin from Louisiana, calf skin, python skin, palladium, and ceramic… and of course diamonds.

D&G tiny diamond sunglasses

It is whole world that prevail circle D&G to attract attention focus, not merely often there is a lot of dramatic exciting behavior among the beautiful field, pour into a lot of magnificent unique styles too on the glasses of D&G, with one’s own unique magnificent style, merge sharp fashion create glamour, mirror type of arc full of women arcual lines of glamour walk back and forth Buddha to be fashionable to cut on your face, that garrulous diamond arranged like Milk Way glitters in your eyes border above the lens, D&G design style making people crazy about is changeable, bring the fashion element into full play to show the luxurious prevailing custom of shining that has star’s makings very much even more.

Barton Perreira Diamond Sunglasses

Summer may be over but not sunglasses season, instead of beach glare those of us who live in winter climates will soon be fighting the harsh reflections of sun off snow. So, what better time to invest in some new chic shades like these from Barton Perreira? This is the "Emmanuelle" in silver and it's my favorite of the Jeweled Collection. The gems are tastefully placed to accent the designs instead of overtake them -- just a little bit of rock star diva glamor for those who want the bling without the tacky (that would be me!). $300-$600+

Diamond Harlot Sunglasses

Between losing them and accidentally sitting on them, I'm pretty rough on my sunglasses and usually end up going through several pairs every year (or sometimes just in a season). So although I usually stick with fairly inexpensive brands this Diamond Harlot makes me want to rethink that decision. We first covered the Harlot by Oliver Peoples a couple years ago and now the glamorous, over-sized oval design has made a not-to-be-missed return, except this time with the added glitz of an 18k gold lug and 1.5 carats of glittering diamonds on each temple.The Diamond Harlot is currently available in 3 color schemes (white, black, and pearl) at English and Mulley for £2720.

Coach Diamond Sunglasses - SG_CO005

Coach's Diamond Sunglasses is one of the season's hottest items. Fabulously shaped! Adorned with colorful diamonds on the arms. Yellow frame and dark lens. Coach logo on arms. A must have accessory all year round!Price : US $59.00

Gold and Diamond encrusted sunglasses by Franco

The worlds most expensive sunglasses, as worn by the Hollywood A-listers themselves, Franco´s Luxuriator Collection is the definition of cool.

A true must have for fashionistas around the world, Franco´s Luxuriator collection came to life in the year 2004 when he created his first pair of luxury handcrafted diamond sunglasses for a celebrity friend.

Since then, Luxuriator has grown, as has the impressive client list seen wearing this truly unique and exclusive eyewear. Last year, Franco collected the tag of the worlds most expensive sunglasses with a due-style 23 shade with 132 hand-set pave diamonds in an 18k gold frame, a large two carat canary accent diamond, and ivory buffalo horn temples, priced at $65,000.

Celebrity wearers of Franco’s distinctive and exotic designs include rock legend Meat Loaf, and many Hollywood A-listers such as actor and producer Daniel Baldwin, Oscar-winner Martin Landau, Christopher McDonald and actresses Cherish Lee, Charlene Tilton, Elke Sommer, Stephanie Powers and Tracy Bingham.

Franco’s current collection is a fashion-forward blend of exquisite jewelley and top of the line optics that was created for high-end jewellery stores and optical boutiques. The collection consists of 2 main styles; Luxuriator Uno, a single bridge chassis, and Luxuriator Due, a double bridge chassis.

The Luxuriator line showcases eyewear encrusted with diamonds and featuring the most technologically-advanced lenses. Frames are available in 18k gold, with subtle shades of yellow, white, gold and rose. All frames are made of solid buffalo horn and exotic leathers and unique diamond rings on each side are a design trade mark created exclusively by Franco.

Custom design - Bespoke EyewearFranco offers a custom design service, working with your wants and needs to create a tailored design just for you. Contact him for a personal appointment.

Prescription Eyewear - Optical wear need not compromise your style. Franco will work with your prescription needs; lenses can be made in a given clients own prescription.

Wolrd’s Most Expensive Diamond Encrusted Machines

Diamond-Encrusted Espresso Machine for the Rich and Tasteless

If you've been wondering what to get your rich, caffeine-addicted, bling-loving uncle for his birthday, we've got the perfect gift. Feast your eyes on the Nespresso Crystal Edition coffee machine. This decadent espresso making machine is encrusted with 3,100 Swarovski crystals, which have apparently become little more than accessories for gadgets. For almost $4,000 you get what appears to be a decent, if more or less pedestrian espresso machine:- cup warmer in aluminum- removable grill for the preparation of Latte Macchiato- automatically remove of used capsules- illuminated collecting pan for used capsules- high pressure pump with 19 bar- electronic temperature control (Thermoblock)- removable water tank- automatic functions. Choose with one push at a button between Espresso and Lungo.The only thing that sets this apart from the pack is the unbelievably gaudy crystal facade.


Electrolux Diamond Encrusted Vacuum Cleaner

Promises to put the sparkle in your cleaning 17 March 2009 14:04 GMT
If you've got £13,825 to spend and the urge to look good when you do the house work then maybe you need one of these. Created as a one-off by Lukaz Jemiol, the young Polish fashion designer has created a vacuum cleaner that is blinged to the hilt.

Diamond Encrusted Pens

Exclusive Diamond and Ruby Pen by GoldStriker

Designed in 1999 by Caran d’Ache, La Modernista Diamonds is the fountain pen formed to pay reverence to Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926), the most celebrated Modernist architects. This writing instrument is decked up with rhodium-coated solid silver mechanism with an 18-carat gold nib that is coated with rhodium. Retailed at £229,995, the pen is equipped with 5072 full-cut Top Wesselton VS diamonds counting 20 carats and 96 half-cut rubies (0.32 carats) fitted elegantly on the top of the cap.
In 2001, this pen was certified as world’s most expensive pen by Guinness World’s Record before it was over shadowed by limited edition pen by Montblanc and Van Cleef & Arpels valued at $730,000.

Alexander Amosu Diamond Mont Blanc Pen

The limited edition Alexander Amosu Diamond Mont Blanc Pen is handmade with 77 diamonds, and feature 0.45 carats of VS, F grade diamonds with a choice of white, black, pink, brown or blue diamonds set into the gold clip.
The pen’s ubiquitous style features an 18k gold nib, platinum inlay and black precious resin cap. With the bespoke diamond encrustation, the pen is not only a global style statement, but also a true gesture of goodwill, helping to raise vital funds for the ACLT Charity (a charity which helps promote bone marrow and blood donation).
The Amosu Mont Blanc is priced at £1500 and only 1000 Amosu Diamond Meisterstück pens will be made, with proceeds going towards charity.

World’s Most Expensive Diamond Pen

Aurora Diamante is the most expensive writing instrument till date. There’s still an audience who takes pride in following the through line of art, and this Italian masterpiece targets such serious collectors. The pen features over 30 carats of diamonds, and is available in solid platinum or white gold versions. The pen has 18KT solid gold nib and a two-tone, rhodium-treated solid platinum barrel with an exquisite diamond cabochon crown that features nearly two thousand “4 C” certified De Beers diamonds on a two hectogram, which makes it a rare piece. The lucky buyers can further get it personalized with their coat-of-arms, signature or portrait. Apparently, only a single piece will be available for sale per year for around one million euros.

Beautifull Diamond Encrusted Pen

Montblanc Diamond Pen

To celebrate 100 years of creating the ultimate in international luxury gifts, Montblanc has outdone itself. As exclusive as it is exquisite, the Skeleton Bohème diamond fountain cartridge pen edition is handcrafted of solid 18-karat white gold and encrusted with 1,906 diamonds … naturally.
With a total of 9.6 carats of diamonds, the Skeleton Bohème is limited to just three writing instruments worldwide. The one depicted here will be the only one available in the USA; to say it’s ours exclusively seems like a bit of an understatement. Darn, the BIC still works.Price $160,900.00

Diamond Encrusted Purses

Ginza Tanaka’s Purse

And the winner is… for the most expensive purse in the world to date is a unique bag created by Japanese jewelry house Ginza Tanaka. It’s a Diamond Studded Platinum Handbag—over 2,000 diamonds totaling 208 carats. The strap can be taken off and worn as a necklace or bracelet. It also features an eight carat pear-shaped diamond that can be worn separately as a brooch, how cool!! Some sites say it’s priced at $1.63 million, some says it’s priced at $1.9million. It doesn’t matter which price is correct. Did they really expect someone to actually use this bag?!
This doesn’t stop my quest for the world’s most expensive handbag. I’m pretty sure another designer bag might just dislodge Ginza Tanaka’s purse from being known as the world’s most expensive purse soon.

Lana Marks’ Cleopatra Clutch

If you think Leiber is already expensive, well, Lana Marks released its 2007 limited edition Cleopatra Clutch bag for $100,000. It’s made with metallic silver alligator skin and 1,500 fully cut, faceted black and white diamonds set in an 18-karat white gold frame. Each year’s bag is signed and numbered. These bags are so exclusive that Lana only allows one star per year to carry her handmade diamond studded designs down the crimson carpet, since 2004.

14K White Gold .75ct Diamond Purse Pendant On Cable Chain Necklace

This new Chanel Forever bag is definitely not the world’s most expensive purse, but is an expensive piece of arm candy. Remember the Louis Vuitton Miroir Palladium Gold Minaudiere Purse that retailed for a whopping $351,270? Or even better (err pricier) the $1.63 Million Platinum and Diamond Designer Purse. Although this bag without a doubt goes for more than your average classic Chanel bag. Ringing in at an astonishing $260,150 per pop this beauty is definitely an investment piece. Why? This sparkling piece contains 334 diamonds, gold hardware and a white alligator skin body. I'm sure if you are one of the lucky few who purchase this gem will never take it out of your safety deposit box or glass case. I sure wouldn’t.

Diamond Encrusted Brooches

14K White Gold Black Rhodium Plated Blue Sapphire & Diamond Brooch
Art Deco Sapphire & Diamond Brooch

The bejewelled brooch, which was made around 1935, will be auctioned at Bonhams' Sale of Fine Jewellery in London's New Bond Street.
It is designed in the form of the letter J and includes multiple old brilliant cut and baguette cut diamonds.
It also features five oval cut sapphires and a bombe cluster of circular-cut sapphires.
A photograph accompanying the brooch shows Sir Elton wearing it during the filming of the video for his 1988 song "I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That". The song was a modest hit in England, reaching number 30 in the charts, but fared much better in the USA, reaching Number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Powder Rose Pearls Sparkling Diamond Brooch Swarovski Wedding Brooch

The lustrous dainty Swarovski Powder Rose Pearls deccorated and surrounded with sparkling simulated diamond cubic zircon with Genuine Swarovski 12mm Powder Rose Pearls exclusively for wedding Birdal Bridemaides Brooch Round Pearls Brooch with high quality Genuine Swarovski Pearls Can Customize This brooch In your Pearls Color Will Be Swarovski Pearls Cubic Zircon spread all over exclusive for Wedding and formal wear sophisticated and elegant. Powder Rose Pearls are embellished by sparkling cubic zircon buds all over with silver. Pretty and feminine describes this vintage Brooch with Good quality of Powder Rose Pearls and Cubic Zircon Glorious/Fabulous Pin Brooch brilliant and excellent crafted Material Used:Genuine Swarovski Powder Rose 12mm Pearls and Cubic Zircon adorend Each Pin BroochPin Length:1 1/2 inches diameter.

WGBR-1

This Flower bunch is made by hand and design by RIYO. It has the elegance and beauty and charm of attraction. This white gold brooch is made of 18kt white gold. This White gold Brooch is studded with Diamonds and Ruby and Sapphire. You can also order it is Tsavorite of Blue topaz or multi tourmaline.

Dainty Brooch w/ Tiny Flowers Decorated Sparkling Simulated Diamond CZ

Glam it up! Give every ensemble a feminine touch with this beautiful Flower brooch embedded with cubic zircon VERY SPARKLING. Add a dash of drama with a bold, eye-catching brooch. Silver Casting decorated with tiny flower all over superior high quality Brooch, this is lovely brooch on your favorite dress shirt scarf or jacket lapel. A beautiful accessory for any occasion. Secures with a standard pin clasp.

Material Used:Rhodium High quality Full Flower is encrusted with Good Quality of Cubic Zircon and decoratedPin Length:2 inches long and 2 1/2 inches

ANTIQUE STYLE PETITE DIAMOND BROOCH 14KW #442

ANTIQUE STYLE PETITE DIAMOND BROOCH 14 KARAT WHITE GOLD .25CT TDW I1 -GHI ROUND FACETED GENUINE DIAMOND

Pearl and Diamond Encrusted Stunning Brooch

Topaz Diamond Brooch, ca. 1900

We Riyo are known for gold Brooches made of ruby, sapphire and emerald with diamond and mostly we made it in 18kt white gold. As we produce for many resellers around the world we take any type of custom base order. You can email us your design to us so that we can quote you time and cost approx instantly. We export India Gold Brooches wholesale from Jaipur, Rajasthan India. Most of the Brooches are studded of diamond. We also produce ruby diamond Brooches and sapphire diamond Brooches, emerald diamond Brooches and many other stones option. We are one of the leading diamond Brooches exporters from India .we also Export of White gold Brooches. We deal in Wholesale exclusive Brooches made by hand artisan. We do manufacture very beautiful carving style color stones carving brooches made by leaf of emerald and sapphire and diamonds made in white gold.

World's Most Expensive Diamond Encrusted Gifts for Kids

Diamond studded silver spoon

No kid is born with one in his/mouth, but definitely you can give your little one the luxury of not just a sliver spoon but a diamond studded silver spoon. This one from Vivre features a diamond at the tip of the spoon.Price: $ 1,230

Diamond yes and gold nose Teddy

Teddy bears make the eternal and hot favourite gifting option for kids. Mall or a little young each kid is equally fond of soft and plush teddies. Now, pack luxury with utmost fun with this cute teddy which has eyes made of emerald and diamonds and a nose of solid 24-carat gold. Isn’t it truly a rich toy!Price: £43,000

Crystalize your kids’ drawing in a bedazzling purse

Wanna immortalize your kids drawing and paintings forever? We help you do that in utter luxury with the help of the skilled workers at Judith Liber, who will etch your kids’ creation on a crystal bag, to help you cherish those fond memories forever.Price: $5,000 or more

Diamond studded doll

Licca-chan, is a beautiful gift that brings a girl’s both “best friends” together-a cute doll and loads of diamonds. Decked in as many as 881 diamonds that total up to 51.4-carats, Licca-chan is definitely going to be the favourite gift of the filthy rich daughters.Price: $935,000

Swarovski slapped high chair

One of the special edition high chairs from ‘i can sit’, this one is caked with hundreds of glittering Swarovski crystals and complemented with a lavish and comfy silver seat, which makes it an ideal pick for your little angel. Must say….messing up with baby food was never so grand!

Diamond bathed pacifier

Limited only to the celebrity gifting circles till now, the custom Diamond Pacifiers can undoubtedly make an ostentatiously rich gift for your baby too, once it is etched with his/her name. Encrusted with 278 pave cut white diamonds totaling 3 carats with a 14K European white gold, this one can only be a dream it seems.Price: $17,000


Diamond caked Hot Wheels car for your brat

If your son is a sucker for cars, specially the free wheely wonders from Hot Wheels, then this dazzling diamond encrusted car from the toy car giant is an ideal pick for him. The jeweled car includes more than 2,700 diamonds that weigh nearly 23 Carats total.Price: $1,40,000

Swarovski festooned scrabble

Board Games are quite synonymous with the growing kids. They love to beat the opponent, especially if it is in the min-bending game of scrabble. How about this exclusive scrabble set that’s festooned with more than 30,000 swarovski crystals and the signatures of world renowned celebrities?Price: $ 20,

Jewelled Carbon bikes from Pinco Palino

Looking forward to give him a healthy year and a healthy life in the New Year? Get him this ever shining Swarovski bike and he’ll never be lazy again!

Nail Clipper dazzling with crystals

If that was not enough, then to add a mark of completion to your baby’s vanity kit bring this crystal caked nail clipper for him. 572 colors of clear, fuschia, aquamarine, emerald, light rose, citrine & aurora borealis crystals go in making this a lavish gift.Price: $ 130.

Crystal Palace Rattle

The only toy that comes to mind when shopping for new born babies is a rattle. But if you are wondering what can be so lavish about a rattle that makes it worthy enough to find a place here, then you must have a look at this ‘Crystal Palace’ rattle from the house of Aristabrat.Price: $ 138