Galaxy S24 Ultra by Caviar is a luxurious way to mark the Year of the Dragon

Smartphones are quite expensive these days, especially the fully-featured, high-end premium models, but that might still be enough for a few “well-funded” people. Limited Editions are not uncommon in this industry, but nothing says “limited edition” more than an extremely limited number of devices being made with extremely extravagant materials and designs. Luxury brand Caviar has for years been making these kinds of exquisite variations of already pricey smartphones, and Samsung’s latest flagship is unsurprisingly getting the same treatment. With the launch of the Galaxy S24 series so close to the Chinese New Year, the marque took the opportunity to welcome the Year of the Dragon with a special edition that’s laden not just with gold and jewels but with references to the union of East and West that Samsung’s smartphones embody.

Designer: Samsung x Caviar

Just one look at this Caviar interpretation of the Galaxy S24 Ultra and you can already tell it’s far from being ordinary. That golden Korean dragon is no mere painting or sticker but is a highly-detailed bas-relief covered with 24-karat gold. That dragon is seen descending from the top of the phone, in other words, the heavens, and wraps around the analog watch that is at the center of this design.

Yes, there is an honest-to-goodness mechanical watch on this phone’s back, one that boasts a CVR ELT3350A Tourbillon with a manual winding mechanism and 19 stones. This element does add quite a bit of thickness to the phone’s otherwise slim profile, but its novelty and beauty could very well be worth that price. Curiously, the watch is encircled by the 12 signs of the “Western” Zodiac, not the Chinese roster you would expect from a phone that commemorates the Chinese New Year. These symbols, made of enamel on PVD-coated titanium, represent that mix of European and Eastern culture that is representative of Samsung’s own business.

Every inch of this rather elaborate design was made with meticulous attention to detail and symbolism. The three diamonds in the corner not only mimic a constellation but is actually a homage to Samsung’s original logo, the “three stars” from which the company takes its name. The green color of the watch dial might seem like an odd mix to the prevalent gold and black motif, but it symbolizes rebirth and prosperity, which also happens to be the color and theme of the Year of the Wood Dragon.

If the $15,070 price tag isn’t enough to mark this design as something only the elite can afford, the fact that there will only be 24 such devices made will definitely cement that image. The chances of meeting another VIP holding the same phone would be as low as meeting a mythical Korean dragon, but the prestige of owning a rare and enchanting piece of craftsmanship is all that matters to those who will be scrambling to fall in that very short queue.

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Elegant, gold accent tableware designs can transform your Thanksgiving meal into a luxurious experience

The traditional Thanksgiving festival revolves around food, company, and mandatory dishes like roast turkey, delectable food, and wine. As the dining table forms the focal point of the festival, a well-thought out tablescape will help family and loved ones create beautiful memories around it. Thanksgiving celebrates the harvest and the beginning of the holiday season. So bring in festive times by introducing metal accents to make the space feel rich and abundant. The lustre of gold provides warm hues to create a table spread that looks as gorgeous as the food.

Here are 14 ideas that will inspire you to introduce the warm glow of this golden metal to your Thanksgiving table decor. Golden hues create a rich yet cohesive colour palette that keeps the table setting coordinated with a warm and intimate atmosphere for family fun and yummy treats.

1. Candleholders

The ethereal warmth of the candlelight can transform the festive spread and breathe life into the tablescape. These elegant candle holders provide ambient lighting and cast a warm glow. Featuring an angular form and minimalist silhouette, the sleek geometric shape of the candle holder, surrounds the flickering flame and enhances the overall dining experience. Placed on a dining table, the varying heights of these pieces infuse a timeless aesthetic that feels cosy and inviting.

Check it out here!

2. Coasters

These luxurious Linear brass Coasters from WestElm add a tasteful touch to your Thanksgiving party. The gold surface is textured with horizontal and linear stripes that add gorgeous glamour to the overall look and feel of the dining space. These functional coasters protect table surfaces from water rings, add richness, and look stunning in their own right.

Check it out here!

3. Condiments

These Marble Dip Bowls with brass base add a hint of glamour to the dining table and are carefully crafted from different types of marble. Perfect for pre-dinner appetisers and a variety of snacks like guacamole, salsa, hummus and olives, these bowls create a visual feast and can even be used as a pinch pot.

Check it out here!

4. Salt and Pepper shaker

Take the gold theme a step further with the marble and brass finish salt and pepper shaker set. It is highly functional and the warm glow of metal infuses opulence and is perfect for hosting the dinner devoted to gratitude.

Check it out here!

5. Dinnerware

This Gold Inlay Solid White matte Porcelain Dinnerware set from Dodo’s Trends & More layers your table decor with luxury and grandeur. It’s a gorgeous collection of plates that makes for a standout dinner display. Steeped in elegance, each piece is adorned with gold detailing around the rim. The white and matt gold cutlery spells subtle luxury and provides an elevated dining experience.

Check it out here!

6. Marble and Brass Cake Stand

Clean and contemporary, this marble and brass-finished pedestal cake stand is a stylish way to display cakes, macarons and other desserts. The glitz of metallic gold contrasts the white marble top and imbues a sense of beauty. Its elevated height adds depth and dimension to the tablescape, while its conical base juxtaposes the circular top to create a beautifully proportioned piece that steals the limelight.

Check it out here!

7. Barware

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without champagne or sparkling wine. Add shine to your bar counter with the brass finish Chelsea Barware collection that features a rounded and feminine look and ensures that your wine choices make the celebration more special. There is such richness in gold colour that it easily catches the light and reflects a lovely warm glow.

Check it out here!

8. Napkin Rings

The Nomi K luxury tableware is a supremely ritzy floral napkin ring that imparts a regal look and infuses feminine energy into the Thanksgiving dinner table. Inspired by beautiful flowers, these metal accessories bring fashion and add a discerning and delicate beauty to the festive table spread. Meticulously designed to perfection, these pieces look glamorous and pair beautifully with any tasteful table linen.

Check it out here!

9. Serving Set

Bring a touch of luxurious style to your dining table with the Hawser serving set. The serving spoons feature a long and twisted rope handle which makes it easy to hold. Crafted in brass and stainless steel, this serving set adds an instant dose of luxury and is a resplendent addition to any feast or soiree. It is perfect for serving gravy, salads or desserts and complements the gold-rimmed serving plates.

Check it out here!

10. Wine Glasses

Raise a toast in style as wine is guaranteed to taste better in these exotic wine glasses by Dish It Out New York. This finely stemmed piece incorporates a gold base to add shimmer and makes a chic accent on the festive tablescape without overpowering it. Forming a part of a family of pieces, this design is also available in water glasses.

Check it out here!

11. Cheese and Serving Platter

It’s time to say cheese – and your party will be incomplete without a cheese plate! The design of the cheese platter features a honeycomb pattern that creates a textured surface with a pair of gold bees in inlaid brass. An interesting mix of materials makes a perfect addition to the Thanksgiving soiree. Select 3-5 kinds of cheese variations for an attractive and delectable composition.

Check it out here!

12. Table Runner

Dress up your dinner table with the Home N Style earthy gold placement mats that provide the tablescape with layered depth and elegant uplift. The embroidered motifs add texture and heighten the luxurious style quotient of the festive spread. However, it’s important to strike the right balance so that the golden hues of the tablescape look elegant and not gaudy.

Check it out here!

13. Serving Bowl

Truly tasteful, the Rajsi brass dessert bowl makes an enchanting addition to the Thanksgiving table and elevates the ambience. Exquisitely crafted in brass and amethyst, the dessert bowl enlivens the space with colour, injects visual interest and crosses between a functional dessert bowl and a sculptural centrepiece. Since Thanksgiving marks the harvest season, fill the bowl with some fresh produce and seasonal accents like pumpkins, apples, fruits you love and create a beautiful autumnal table that steals the spotlight. Additionally, fruits and vegetables add colour and contrast to the table setting.

Check it out here!

14. Flower Vase

Flowers form an important part of the tablescape and decorating with seasonal blooming flowers is always fun. This flower vase makes a statement piece, brings oodles of sparkle and imparts a more lighter and joyous feel. Make sure that the scale and height of floral decoration doesn’t hinder the flow of conversations or block the line of vision.

Check it out here!

The post Elegant, gold accent tableware designs can transform your Thanksgiving meal into a luxurious experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

Galaxy S22 Ultra Caviar editions let you choose how you want to burn your money

If the Galaxy S22 Ultra still feels too light for your wallet, then you can throw more money at these gold-plated luxury editions instead.

Smartphones have become incredibly pricey these days, at least compared to figures from even just four years ago. In some cases, the price bump feels justified, while at other times, they feel exorbitant. That doesn’t stop people from still buying the most feature-rich and most expensive smartphone models every year, and that definitely hasn’t stopped a certain class of people from aiming even higher. That’s the clientele that luxury brand Caviar serves, and it has just announced a new set of limited edition Galaxy S22 Ultra phones that could make you the envy of your socialite circles.

Designer: Caviar

The Galaxy S22 Ultra’s price tag is already quite hefty on its own, starting at $1,200 for the lowest configuration all the way up to $1,600 for maxed-out specs. That’s not unusual for Samsung and honestly expected for this particular model. It replaces the Galaxy Note line to some extent with an S Pen that you can stow inside the phone. That’s on top of the high-end specs you’d come to expect from Samsung’s latest and greatest, which includes one of the best phone screens available in the market today.

That won’t be the full price that most people will pay for the phone anyway. In addition to the typical carrier subsidies that US buyers often grab, Samsung and retail partners often throw in deals or freebies to make it feel like you’re getting more for that price. As far as looks go, however, the Galaxy S22 Ultra doesn’t exactly look its price. It’s not ugly, mind, but its aesthetic is more utilitarian and technical than luxurious.

That’s where Caviar’s limited edition runs come in, offering those with the money to burn a way to have a luxurious phone that matches how much it costs. Almost every notable premium phone has had its turn being added to Caviar’s collection, but the Galaxy S22 Ultra is getting something a bit more special. There isn’t just one, not even just two, but six possible designs to choose from, each with a unique nod to art styles or pop culture.

The Ocelot, for example, is an homage to the Art Deco era, as Caviar explains. The camera area is covered with a gold-plated jeweled steel inlay, while the bottom showcases golden geometric patterns engraved on black PVC titanium. The combination of black and gold has always been a hallmark of many luxury products, reinforcing this Caviar edition phone’s expensive tastes.

Art Deco is also credited to be one of the influences of The Great Gatsby, and Caviar pays tribute to that literary work with its own limited edition design. Reversing the gold and black motif, the cameras are enclosed in black PVC titanium, while the rest of the phone’s back is decked with Art Deco patterns made of gold-plated jewelry alloy. Caviar’s crown logo in gold adorns the black camera block, making you feel like royalty, especially since you can afford this luxury. That gold isn’t just any other gold, either, and is proud to flaunt 7mk 24K double gold electroplated jewelry alloy.

Caviar also has something for automotive enthusiasts. Drive’s dark, carbon-fiber armor, for example, calls to mind sports cars and speedsters, while the Titanium’s blend of silver and black is reminiscent of luxury cars. The brand also has two models utilizing crocodile leather in black and beige hues, one themed after a bird of prey and another on a former rival. Caviar doesn’t really talk much about the leather, though that might not sit well with animal lovers and advocates. Both designs portray the marque’s V-shaped “tick”, which it has associated with the feeling of victory and the Vertu brand, one of the first to dare make expensive luxury smartphones.

These limited edition spins of the Galaxy S22 Ultra easily cost four times as much as the highest configuration, ranging from $6,520 to $7,140. There are options for the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22+ as well, but these phones don’t exactly have the same features. And in true limited edition fashion, Caviar will create only 99 of each luxurious finish, ensuring that you will have something more to boast beyond the price tag.

The post Galaxy S22 Ultra Caviar editions let you choose how you want to burn your money first appeared on Yanko Design.

Solid Gold Death Star Coins: That’s No Beskar

Released by the New Zealand Mint, these 1-ounce Death Star Coins are engraved with an image of the Empire’s moon-sized superweapon on one side and Queen Elizabeth on the opposite. A nice combo. Personally, I would have gone with an Ewok on the other side to commemorate the Battle of Endor, but I wasn’t asked. I’m never asked.

Limited to an edition of 500, the 0.9999% gold coins are available for $2,900 apiece. And, with the current price of gold hovering around $1,900, you’re paying roughly a thousand extra bucks for that Death Star engraving. Should you just buy an ounce of gold, mint a coin shape, and engrave your own? I’m not here to tell you what to do, but you absolutely should, and make me one while you’re at it.

If I had the money, I would buy all five hundred of them, then slowly release them on eBay for an even steeper profit. Or end up selling them for less than I paid for them – it’s happened before. I’m not really a great investor. Take, for instance, the time I invested in a complete set of original mint-in-package Kenner Star Wars action figures from 1977, then tore them all out of their packaging and played with them in the bathtub. I… have regrets.

[via DudeIWantThat]

Arnold & Son’s latest double tourbillion watch comes finished with a stunning jade dial

Adding to the watchmaker’s rich legacy of dual timezone pieces, the Double Tourbillon Jade brings the culturally rich green mineral to the Arnold & Son’s centuries-long history of chronometric excellence. Striving for perfection on the inside as well as out, the watch sports two faces set in precious white opal and double tourbillons that are jewels of engineering in their own right. The four-leaf clover arrangement of dials and tourbillons provides the perfect foreground for the watch’s bright green jade dial, sourced from Wyoming and expertly cut to allow both dials and tourbillons to emerge to their full height.

While the exterior revels in sheer opulence, the insides of the watch come outfitted with the company’s A&S8513 double-barreled caliber. Designed as a dual timezone watch, the upper dial sports Roman numerals, while the lower one showcases Arabic numerals, allowing you to independently set and calibrate two times from different timezones right down to the minute. “Unlike most so-called travel watches, the Double Tourbillon Jade can therefore follow time zones offset by 15, 30 or 45 minutes, as is the case with certain countries in Central Asia”, mentions the company in a press release.

The ornate arrangement of minerals and intricately assembled timekeeping components sit underneath a sapphire crystal display, within the watch’s 43.5mm case, made from an option between red gold and white gold. Both colors aim to complement the deep green jade stone within, adding accents through gentle colors, reflections, and contrasts. To further this artistic vision, the watches are paired with hand-stitched alligator leather straps in either black or green.

Designer: Arnold & Son

The post Arnold & Son’s latest double tourbillion watch comes finished with a stunning jade dial first appeared on Yanko Design.

Would you pay $2699 for this absolutely bonkers Gold-plated Titanium iPhone 13 case?

It’s almost triple of what the iPhone 13 Pro costs… and the case isn’t even the most expensive one from Gray‘s ALTER EGO® collection. The luxury case-maker even has a flame-torched rainbow titanium version that costs more than three grand… or in other words, enough to buy you the iPhone 13 Pro AS WELL as the 2021 M1 MacBook Pro and still have spare change.

So why is the ALTER EGO case for the iPhone so expensive? The same reason why NFTs are so expensive… Because someone said so. Although this kind of ridiculously lavish definitely falls within Gray’s niche, who have made luxury cases for iPhones, Watches, and even Crypto Wallets in the past.

The ALTER EGO is less of a protective case and more of a status symbol. Sure, it protects your iPhone from dings and drops, but its prime purpose isn’t to be a baggy jumpsuit for your phone… it’s to be a piece of jewelry that your gadget adorns with pride. The cases come with a bumper-style design that grabs onto your iPhone from the edges, and a minimal aesthetic that adds a bit of glimmer to your phone, while showing your phone off too (instead of concealing it).

Designed for the iPhone 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max versions, the ALTER EGO cases are made from solid titanium. Each case is meticulously machined from a block of the metal, with a mechanically textured surface finish and a TPU inner layer that protects your phone from being scratched by the metal. The cases come in 4 styles – a raw titanium, PVD coated black, PVD coated gold, and the rather rare flame-torched rainbow Aurora that’s processed individually.

Another factor that influences the price of the cases is that they’re limited edition. The Gold and Aurora are limited to just 500 units of each, while the PVD Black has about 1000 units. The price for the cases differs based on the variant you choose, going from $1899 for the regular titanium case to a mind-numbing $3,199 for the rainbow Aurora (image below just in case you’re curious and extremely cavalier with your money.)

Designer: Gray

14K Gold and Cubic Zirconia Michael Myers Pendant: Stabbing in Style

What better way to express your fandom for the Halloween franchise than with this Michael Myers 14K gold plated and cubic zirconia pendant? I can actually think of a lot of ways, but that isn’t going to stop me from dropping $650 on this piece from Aporro. I can already close my eyes and hear my wife yelling about the credit card charge.

Did you know the original Michael Myers mask was created by Halloween’s production designer Tommy Lee Wallace using a $1.98 Star Trek Captain Kirk mask he purchased from a costume shop on Hollywood Boulevard and modified by widened the eye holes and spray-painting the flesh a bluish-white? Because that’s true. The more you know!

Unlike the original, this particular piece is brass with a 14k gold plating and a plethora of white and black cubic zirconia adorning Michael’s face. It measures 90mm x 70mm (3.5″ x 2.7″) and weighs 198g. Obviously, it would be far better as a full-size mask I could wear while cutting the grass to let my neighbors know my yard is not one to let their dogs poop in without picking it up.

[via DudeIWantThat]

With its alluring concentric-circle design, this wristwatch was made to look hypnotic!

Creating a contrast that’s beautiful to look at, along with a sense of depth that one could potentially get lost in, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillion looks like a work of art on your wrist. The watch, which is priced at a whopping 145,000 Swiss Francs (or $157,000) isn’t your average luxury timepiece though. For starters, the outer body is literally made of 18 karat gold, and is available in white-gold and rose-gold variants. As your eye travels from the case to the dial itself, you immediately feel a sense of descent, thanks to the multiple layers/steps on the inside that go from a rich royal blue to a dark navy, almost feeling like entering a void. This arrangement allows you to practically get lost in the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillion’s watch-face. At the very focus of this stepped dial is its diamond-encrusted tourbillion which immediately becomes the watch’s crown jewel, with nothing really to distract from its presence, apart from the gold hands and the AP logo at the 12 o’clock position.

Turn the timepiece over and you can see hand-wound manufacture caliber 2964 through an exhibition back. The watch comes with a 72-hour power reserve, alligator straps, and is set for a limited production run. Oh, and that impeccable frosted finish on the front half of the gold casing? It’s created by Italian designer Carolina Bucci, who employed an ancient Florentine jewelry technique of physically creating tiny indentations with a diamond-tipped tool on the gold surface to make a micro-texture that’s more opulent-looking than your regular sand-blasted finish… and the price-tag of Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillion completely reflects that level of artistry and impeccable luxury!

Designer: Audemars Piguet

Batman Engagement Ring: If Batman Ever Proposes to Catwoman

Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle have been dancing around their relationship for as long as I can remember. I think it’s about time that Batman got down on one knee and asked Catwoman for her hand in marriage. Sure, there was that time when Catwoman gave up her life of crime and married Batman back in 1955, but that took place in an alternate reality on “Earth-Two,” so that doesn’t really count.

Seriously, put a ring on it, Bats. I’ve even already picked one out for you.

Among their various wares, Canadian jewelry shop Geeky Rings sells this sweet Batman-inspired engagement ring. This particular ring is made of gold with a bunch of bats flying around the band and holding up a ruby red gemstone at its center. The ring can be special ordered in other gemstone colors, as well as in white or a rose gold and silver combo, and an 18K gold version. If you’re looking for something that captures the “dark” aspect of The Dark Knight even better, they also sell a murdered-out black version.

Prices for the Batman engagement ring start around $550 and go up to $930 depending on the materials used. That’s chump change for the Wayne family, so you’ve got no excuse, Bruce.

Now, I wonder if this is the ring that Peter Parker gave Mary Jane back when they got married in the 1980s.

Pablo Escobar’s brother is trying to sell refurbished iPhone 11 Pros for $499

For months, we’ve been following the bizarre saga of Roberto Escobar (Pablo Escobar’s brother) trying to peddle Escobar-branded folding smartphones. At first, tech reviewers like Marques Brownlee pointed out that Escobar Inc was actually just repacka...