For those of you with a spare £60k kicking about and a need to keep your trousers up, we’ve got just thing.
Forget the standard black leather belt or braces look, because this belt – for fashionistas only – is made of gold and platinum, and is encrusted with diamonds.
It’s a creation of House of Borgezie, who have previously made diamond-covered shoes worn by Beyonce herself. So, they’re no strangers to a bit of luxury.
But what are you getting for your £60,000 investment?
Designer, Christopher Shellis, believes that the unique Fleur-de-Lys design which is made from solid platinum and 18 carat gold studs and encrusted with 60 diamonds, is worth every penny, as an heirloom.
The unisex belt, which weighs 300 grams and is 30mm thick, is intended as formal wear and can be ordered in any size.
Chris, 53, said: ‘The Fleur-de-Lys is an inspiration of mine. It first appeared over 2,000 years ago but no one knows exactly where it came from.
‘It’s always been associated with power and royalty. It is all over Westminster Cathedral and the gates of Buckingham Palace.
‘It became popular around the time of Elizabeth I’s coronation in 1558.
‘I love the gallantry and style of that era which was a golden age for courtiers like Sir Walter Raleigh competing for the attention of the Queen.’
The design process and took three days, and so far only one has been made. Chris – who began his career as a diamond setter in Birmingham’s jewellery quarter – will make more if there are more orders, which he believes there will be once word gets out.
‘It’s easier to sell a Ferrari than a family saloon car because there are always people who don’t think about the cost and buy something because they like it,’ he says.
‘They spend £20,000 on a bottle for wine so £60,000 on a belt isn’t much for them. It is so special and the diamonds are of perfect clarity. For 5.5 carat diamonds it is not that overpriced.
‘My main market is in Europe in Italy, Austria and Switzerland and prestigious parts of the continent like the Cote d’Azur. I also have quite a few clients in the states.’
Along with this eye-wateringly expensive version, he’s also designed a solid silver one that’s somewhat more accessible at £800.
Chris still thinks that those with the means to fork out £60,000 for the gold and platinum version due to its durability.
He said: ‘The gold and platinum belt will last forever and could be handed down for generations.
‘It’s like the gold in Tutankhamun’s tomb and impervious to the elements. It would be as good as new if it was dug up in 10,000 years.’
Quite a long time to wait for a return on the investment, but whatever floats your boat.
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