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Most Expensive Christmas Ornament Valued At Over $130,000

Filed under: Decor, Jewelry

In England, specifically Titchfield, Hampshire a small family jeweler has taken it upon themselves to create the most expensive Christmas ornament in the world.

According to Mark Hussey as reported in the Telegraph, a partner in Hallmark Jewellers he had a vision about making something special and had done some research into the priciest ornaments currently available. He had been working on the piece for almost a full year starting just after Boxing Day 2008, which is traditionally the day after Christmas. Even though they would love to find a buyer for the fabulous piece he did mention that he wouldn't mind finding this special ornament on his own tree come Christmas Eve.

The ornament itself is composed of 18 carat white gold and is studded with over one and half thousand diamonds. Two rings consisting of 188 red rubies surround the body of the ornament. It took over 130 hours just to set the gems in the piece. The National Association of Goldsmiths independently valued the bauble at 82,000 British pounds which depending on the exchange rate is just over $130,000. All of this hard work and expensive gemstones are not going unprotected. In something out of a James Bond movie the decorative ornament is encased in a special container framed in steel an 6mm thick laminated glass. If the alarm is triggered a internal signal will fill the shop with smoke.

Will the name Hallmark become associated with Christmas the way Faberge is permanently linked to gorgeously designed and bejeweled Easter eggs? Only time will tell, but if you'd like a very splashy ornament for your tree you know where to look.

Neiman's Unveils 82nd Christmas Book

Filed under: Holiday Guides


Christmas comes early in Dallas. Neiman Marcus has just announced its unveiling of the legendary Christmas Book, full of the rare and exceedingly unusual items that become so many holiday wishlists.

A couple of examples: the entire end zone for you and your friends at a Dallas Cowboy's game, including tailgate party with the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, and VIP touches at every turn ($500,000). His-and-hers life-sized Lego sculptures by artist Nathan Sawaya, who claims he can "brickalize" anyone ($60,000 each).

The biggest ticket item in the book? Your own stable of a dozen or so thoroughbreds, trained and managed by Three Chimneys Farm over the next four years. Any race day winnings will be yours, but you'll pay $10,000,000 for the privilege.

Perhaps what Santa hears the most requests for? A Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. In your backyard. He'll come meet with you, work with his design team to create the course and throw in a bag of clubs, too. Then he'll come play the first round with you and your buddies. For $1,000,000, not including construction.



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