Behold, the grandmasters of luxury chess sets!
Chess history is a bit of a mystery—some say it emerged after the 6th century CE. Ancient game pieces found in older civilisations are often mistaken for chess, but they actually belong to different games. Regardless, the Staunton chess set from 1849 is celebrated as the OG modern chess set, blending neoclassical vibes into its design. Now, let’s peek at some of the fanciest and priciest chess sets out there!
Estimated Value: $4 million
It's no ordinary chess set—it's a masterpiece crafted by Australian artist Colin Burn, crowned as the world's priciest. This opulent creation boasts a dazzling 513 carats of real white diamonds and South Sea pearls, not to mention accents of white gold and sapphires, all adding up to a jaw-dropping $4 million. Inspired by the classic Staunton design, revered in chess circles since 1849, Burn's set made its grand debut at the 2021 FIDE World Chess Championship in Dubai. Burn intended to design a set suitable for royalty, making it the ultimate display for the world's best chess players!
Estimated Value: $400,000
Imagine a chess set so lavish it sparkles with nearly 10,000 black and white diamonds, set in white gold and silver. Crafted by the Charles Hollander Collection, a heavyweight in the diamond world, this masterpiece took 30 skilled jewellers over 4,500 hours to bring to life. Depending on the style, this luxurious set can fetch anywhere from $400,000 to a cool $1 million. But that's not all! Their collection also boasts a backgammon set bedazzled with over 60,000 diamonds, priced at an eye-watering $1.5 million. And if that's still not enough bling for your board game collection, they've got a roulette wheel decked out with a whopping 3.5 kg of gold.
Estimated Value: $195,000
The Queen’s Silver Jubilee chess set was actually custom-made for Her Highness. One set was presented to British royalty back in the 1970s, and interestingly, another identical set came up for sale in late 2020. This second set, almost an exact match to the Queen’s own, had a price tag of nearly $200,000. Fit for royalty, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee set boasts top-notch materials like solid sterling silver and delicate accents of gold leaf. The board itself is beautifully leatherbound with matching trim, highlighting its exquisite craftsmanship.
Estimated Value: $146,490
This lavish chess set draws inspiration from the Frankish ruler Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, who reigned over much of Western Europe from 768 to 814. Designed with a royal touch, this set boasts opulent features such as solid bronze with exquisite gold and silver finishes. Complete with a table-board combination and chairs that exude regal elegance, it truly embodies the grandeur fit for a king!
These chess sets are like the pinnacle of luxury and sophistication! They're not just for playing; they're like works of art that tell stories of elegance and grandeur. Crafted with such opulence and remarkable detail, they are fit for royalty. It's more than just a game; owning one of these sets means having a piece of history and beauty right in front of you!
