The world’s most expensive egg has been unveiled in time for Easter – but you’ll need to be a persuasive billionaire if you want to shell out and buy this expensive one-off.
A cross between a Faberge egg and the Damien Hirst skull, the ‘Mirage’ is a unique gem that only the richest can afford.
The incredible ornament has more than 1,000 diamonds on the outside ‘shell’ – worth £1.5million alone – 100 of which are a unique cut.
And the diamond-covered egg opens up to reveal an ornate globe which was hand-crafted in 18 karat gold.
The globe’s top shell is raised to reveal a beautiful rock crystal dove which is perched on a lavish, gold olive branch.
The dove and olive branch were hand carved in gold and were included as symbols of world peace.
Mirage has taken three years to make, with work carried out by the world’s elite craftsmen across three continents.
With millions spent in labour costs alone, Manfred Wild, the main man responsible for Mirage’s design and assembly, really has brought the creation to life.
Vashi Dominguez, jeweller to the stars and the diamond entrepreneur behind engagement ring selling website Vashi.com, has access to the private owner of this masterpiece, a mystery collector.
It was not going to be sold, but Mr Dominguez is working on persuading the anonymous owner to sell it.
The egg’s private owner had no intention of selling but Mr Dominguez believes if anyone did make an offer in the “multiple millions” they might be able to strike a deal.
Diamond specialist Dominguez thinks Mirage is one of the most valuable jewels ever created.
He said: “Mirage is, quite simply, one of the finest jewels ever created.
“The owner has said he has no intention of selling the wondrous piece, but if someone really wants it I can see if we can come to an agreement.
“The diamonds alone are worth more than £1.5 million while labour costs were around the same.”
At £5 million, Mirage would cost the same price as a posh London home or 30 TIMES the price of a Ferrari 458 Italia supercar.
If the average Brit saved their entire post-tax salary, it would take them 243 years before they could afford Mirage.
However, Mr Dominguez believes the owner would end up wanting more.
He added: “The owner doesn’t need to sell Mirage, but it is all about one-upmanship in the world of the billionaire and money does talk.
“Owning this special item would be a great coup for someone to whom money is no object.”
