PEAKLIFE

By Kratika Agarwal

Chess is known as one of the oldest games in the world and is also loved by royalty. What is known as the game of the minds and watchful eyes of players also tells us about the miniature works of art, where each piece is a testament to the artisan’s skill in combining traditional art with modern luxury.

In today’s world, this set of polished pieces presented on a board with equal kingdoms on either side has taken some steps towards premium craftsmanship. People from all over the world are drawn to the embellished chess sets, ranging from the Jewel Royale Chess Set priced at $9.8 million to The Royal Diamond Chess Set priced at $600,000. PEAKLIFE gives an account of the world’s most expensive chess sets that define the extended craze of the game.

1 . The Jewel Royale Chess Set ($9.8 million)

This board can leave the world speechless with its most exquisite craftsmanship. Each piece is crafted in a spiral of yellow and platinum gold and adorned with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. The collection, which is worth $9.8 million, has 73 rubies and 146 unique diamonds spread across the pieces.

2. Pearl Royale Chess Set ($4 million)

This chess set stands as one of the finest pieces of craftsmanship, limited to only three editions. The creator behind this finest artistry, Colin Burn, has put together his inspiration from fun times and the world’s leading diamond, gem, and South Sea pearl suppliers to create a dream chess set on which the world’s grandmasters compete. Its worth is $4 million and consists of 500 carats of diamond, blue sapphires, and South sea pearls.

3. Game of Kings Chess Set ($3 million)

With design inspirations from ancient Aztec and Mayan civilisations, this magnificent set is valued at $3 million. It is a breathtaking artwork where the use of obsidian, gold, and silver is done. The chess set has been at Moscow Exhibitions of Mexican Art since 2019.

4. The Battle of Issus Chess Set ($1.9 million)

Artists have flipped the chapter of history and taken inspiration from the Battle of Issus to carve this exquisite design. The board is lavishly decorated and the exceptional craftsmanship shines through every detail. Each game piece, crafted from 14k gold, is uniquely adorned with semiprecious stones and vibrant enamel, and each one features intricate mechanical movement.

5. Art Of War Chess Set (USD 750,000)

A true masterpiece created to raise the bar of the game in the luxury segment. It’s the dedication of maker Victor F. Scharstein; it took hundreds of hours in craft and imagination to give an opulent chess set to the world. Priced at USD 750,000, “The Art of War” may evoke thoughts of the renowned wisdom of Sun Tzu. Crafted from solid 14-carat gold, it speaks of the precision and strategy it took to bring the pieces together.

6. The Pagoda Figurines Chess Set ($696,260)

Originating between 1720 and 1730, it reflects the game’s oriental roots and the period’s fervour for chess. The Pagoda Figurines chess set, an opulent and highly valuable collection, is rich in precious materials. The board and figurines are crafted from exquisite materials, including horn, ivory, tortoiseshell, gilt, silver gilt, porcelain, pearl, padouk, and ebony.