You might be tempted to think that the days of the diamond-covered cellphone are over but that doesn't seem to be the case. Vertu recently opened its Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills boutique showcasing among other baubles, a $70,000 cellphone made with an 83-carat sapphire, platinum, black leather and rubies. The LA Times reported that at the grand opening there were more than a few enthusiasts in attendance including music producer Quincy Jones and singer Seal.
Everything about the Vertu is luxurious, from the handcrafted jeweled exterior to the ring tones created by famous composers and bands specifically for the phone and the concierge service available at your fingertips. Vertu has been around since 1998, created by Frank Nuovo, who was Nokia's lead designer. Around 250,000 of the phones have been sold. Not iPhone numbers but still impressive for phones that cost five figures.