Born Rich

Gracioso 2.0 speakers come from the woods to seduce audio lovers

Nandini — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:17:43 PDT

Yesterday, we told you about the $68,500 4-Way Illuminator series speakers, and we are here now with another acoustic masterpiece to satiate your design as well as audio preferences. Slovenia-based Acoustic Preference has recently released their flagship speaker “Gracioso 2.0,” which boasts a rich hardwood make for excellence in both performance and design. The speakers are crafted in high-quality wood of European and American walnut and are completely hand-made.

The wooden cabinet is given a wax finish to conserve the natural appearance of the wood as well as keeping it organically correct. The specs include: 2-way/bass reflex system, frequency response of 35 Hz – 20 kHz, a 6.5” woofer and matched 28mm silk dome tweeter from the company. The Gracioso line comes with optional matching stands for a picturesque look in your living room. The company’s entire range features wooden enclosures, so suit yourself.

Via: AcousticPreference

HANNSpree debuts new animal TVs to fascinate tots

Nandini — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 06:15:47 PDT

HANNSpree is back with a new line of plush TVs which deserve a place in every kid’s room. The animal-themed models include a zebra, giraffe, camel and polar bear to decorate your little kids’ rooms. In case you don’t want to promote TV watching to your tiny tots, the positive side is you can foster their interest in the animal kingdom. The company will also be releasing a range of new products at this year’s IFA event in early September.

Via: PocketLint

Limited-edition pen to commemorate 40th anniversary of moon landing

Nandini — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:19:13 PDT

Fisher Space Pen Co. is celebrating the historic moon landing of Apollo 11 on July 20 with limited edition AG7-40LE Space Pens. The 40th anniversary pen is designed as a replica of the historic anti-gravity model pen. It features a piece of “Kapton” foil, used as protective thermal insulation on the Apollo 11 Command module, Columbia, which carried the astronauts to the moon and back. This rare artifact floats in a water-clear acrylic dome sealed into the pen’s cap. The pen is finished with black titanium nitride, and detailed engravings in-layed in 24-karat gold include the pen’s sequential serial number, the names of the Apollo 11 crew and the iconic image of Neil Armstrong planting the American flag into the lunar surface. An innovative magnetic pedestal allows the pen to sit on its own “launch pad” for display when the lid is closed. The presentation case tells the historic story of the Apollo 11 mission as well as other monumental moments in human spaceflight. The ballpoint pen along with the display case is available in a limited edition of 1000 for just $800.

Via: PressRelease

Christian Dior Joaillerie 'Kings Queens' collection screams royalty

Nandini — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 04:28:16 PDT

Dior sure knows how to keep the elite on the pulse of fashion. Dior Joaillerie released their royal ‘Kings & Queens’ collection by Victoire de Castellane, which features bejeweled skulls meant to be owned as a pair. The stunning collection is made out of opal, jade, quartz and obsidian, which along with the skulls symbolizes “eternity.” Jewels are forever, unlike those who wear them: “We are moving, but they remain,” said Victoire de Castellane. The Kings and Queen pieces even have evocative names: Queen of Jadélénie and King Opal to dazzle the jewelry-lovers.

Via: TrendHunter/HighSnobette/Vogue

$68,500 Illuminator speakers: Bass beyond the boundaries

Nandini — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:03:28 PDT

High-end audio has remained unaffected even under the global recession, the reason being; the affluent consumers were still spending on the home front. So, all you rich audioholics out there get ready for another piece of high-end audio from Australia-based SGR Audio. The company’s Illuminator Series feature its latest marvel with 4-Way Active Floorstanders. The flagship speakers boast 22 drivers and an output of 8000W. An equally stunning design complements the high-end acoustic specs. “From 60Hz to 40Khz, we’ve used the impressive flagship Illuminator range of drivers from ScanSpeak. These are then augmented down low by our own SGR ultra-low distortion 12″ woofers built with a Linear Symmetrical Gap (LSG) motor structure. To dramatically reduce box vibration, a self-canceling mounting structure has been implemented with the front woofers internally attached to the rear woofers. That’s four 12″ woofers per speaker, eight per system. Each of the 12″ woofers are capable of 40mm linear movement!” The 4-way design is composed of 5 mechanically isolated modular enclosures which are individually shipped and assembled on site. These acoustic beauties are still in development and will adorn a price tag of $68,500.

Via: SGRAudio

$79,000 diamond-studded lighter is a proud display of wealth

Nandini — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:28:14 PDT

The uber-rich smokers know how to light up in style. S.T. Dupont’s gold and diamond lighter caters to those who have rich tastes. James Bond aka Daniel Craig has famously used some of Dupont’s luxury accessories in Casino Royale. And this new Ligne 2 Champagne lighter (in center) from their Prestige Collection is truly a collector’s edition. The lighter is made of solid 18-carat white gold and embellished with 468 brilliant-cut diamonds. For those interested in making a purchase, Lighters Direct is offering a special price of $70,310 with a 30 day money-back guarantee and the manufacturer’s warranty. This rare lighter comes in an individual limited numbering out of 352. Each S.T. Dupont piece is packaged in a timeless gift box. Also, new to the collection is the Ligne 2 champagne rose, solid gold and white solid gold lighter.

Via: JustLuxe

Gibson recreates Billy Gibbons' Pearly Gates Les Paul for guitar lovers

Nandini — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 01:51:35 PDT

Billy Gibbons has teamed up with Gibson Guitars to recreate the sacred Pearly Gates - a rare 1959 Gibson Les Paul guitar for the guitar lovers. There are three different models replicating every little detail of the legendary guitar, and all are available in very limited quantities of only 350 guitars - 250 will receive Gibson Custom’s patented V.O.S. finish, 50 will be aged to look exactly like the original Pearly Gates, and another 50 will be aged and personally signed and played by Gibbons himself. The maple tops boast a matching Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish, with all nickel hardware, gold top hat control knobs, vintage Kluson-style tulip tuners, and a lightweight aluminum string-over stopbar that lets you set up the strings in Billy’s style. The higher-end version retails for $25,882, while the other two adorns a price tag of $15,294 and $11,176 respectively.

Via: PressRelease

Swarovski-studded throne for rich pets

Nandini — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:03:00 PDT

For those who dress up their fido in Roberto Cavalli, here’s a royal throne to match to your pet’s elegant attire. Wilbur from designer Julia Mai is a magnificent chair studded with sixteen sparkling Swarovski crystals available in both white and black color selection. The hand-made pet recliner is lined with soft padding for maximum comfort. The mattress cover fabric and the backrests are removable and washable. So, now you won’t be doing injustice to your little friend when you lounge on your plush Swarovski-clad sofa. Now that’s why we will say, “Dog is a God!”

Via: DesignSpotter/Quartier

Rare Space rock up for auction for $148,000

Nandini — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:19:33 PDT

If you are a space collector with enough dough to spend on another collectible for your existing collection, then a rare chunk of space debris that fell to Earth near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, in August 2005, is up for auction. The Hambleton Meteorite is expected to fetch as much as approx. $148,000 when it is auctioned next month. Rob Elliott, who has been a meteorite hunter and dealer for the past 13 years, says the Hambleton rock, named after the district in which it was found is classed as a pallasite, which means it has a composition of a certain stone and iron. Mr Elliott said only one percent of all meteorites discovered were pallasites, which makes it one of the rarest ever found in the UK. And, Rob says it will be a bargain even for $148,000. Interested? Place your bid at lyonandturnbull.

Via: TheNorthernEcho

Jewel of the lake: 1925 Brescia Bugatti Found in Swiss Lake

Nandini — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:33:11 PDT

A diving club from the Swiss city of Ascona got lucky on a routine trip to Verbano Lake last weekend. The routine trip turned out to be a treasure hunt when they found a 1925 Brescia Bugatti resting on the lake’s bed. The vintage Bugatti has reportedly been lying around for more than 70 years. There are about 3000 Bugattis worldwide. From the number of the car, what has been ascertained is that this Brescia Bugatti had been put into circulation on April 11, 1925 and is one of the 13 Brescias ordered for Switzerland. Although the car is not restorable, it will go on sale at a charity event in favor of Fondazione Damiano Tamagni.

Via: AutoEvolution