Most Expensive

The 10 Most Expensive Woods in the World

Published

6 months ago

Apr 8, 2023

Andy Dilks

What are the most expensive woods?

The most expensive woods in the world can be found everywhere from South and Central America to Africa and Southeast Asia.

Their uses range from early European medical instruments to furniture and aromatic perfumes, with different woods affecting everyday life in various ways.

We’ve explored each continent to discover the most expensive wood in the world, from the cocobolo to the African blackwood.

Table of Contents

The 10 Most Expensive Woods in the World

Our ranked lists are created by researching and rounding up information from the most reputable web sources.

Here’s our list of the 10 most expensive woods:

10. Cocobolo – $55 Per Board Foot

The tropical hardwood cocobolo is found in Central America and belongs to the genus Dalbergia, with the average tree growing up to 24 meters in height and 1 meter in diameter.

Much of the tree, which tourists in Panama can experience in its natural habitat, is discarded, with only the heartwood used for the construction of furniture, musical instruments, knife handles, gun grips, and an assortment of other items.

This heartwood takes on a reddish-brown hue, with darker traces that weave through the wood, adding texture. Pieces can be polished to give a smooth final appearance.

Cocobolo also contains an oily interior that delivers a floral odor, and as this expensive wood darkens with age, additional black and purple streaks present themselves.

A variety of musical instruments are made from cocobolo, including oboes, flutes and clarinets, and this wood is especially popular with guitarists looking for wood with a bright tone and deeper resonance.

Cocobolo wood also makes a guest appearance in the popular television drama, Breaking Bad, with crooked lawyer Jimmy McGill — better known as Saul Goodman — paying $7,000 for a cocobolo desk for his new office.

Sharp-eyed admirers of rare wood may have spotted it in Jim Jarmusch’s movie, “Only Lovers Left Alive,” which depicts a bullet made from cocobolo wood and brass.

9. Ziricote – $60 Per Board Foot

Another rare wood from Central America is ziricote, which is native to southern Mexico and is the heaviest wood from the Cordia species (of which there are more than 250 varieties).

Ziricote was once considered an extremely rare wood but has since seen increases in production, bringing its current value to $60 per board foot.

While some appreciate ziricote for its ability to mimic the grain of Brazilian Rio Pallsander rosewood, it has a unique dark brown color which is popular for expensive wood furniture, musical instruments, and decorative touches around the home, including beams, trims and entrances.

Carpenters are fond of working with ziricote since it machines well with both hand tools and machine tools, and planing the wood can leave a vibrant luster.

The spider-webbing pattern makes this a visually appealing wood wherever it is used. In addition to instruments and interior decorations, it can be found in gun stocks and even upholstery in high-end cars.

Ziricote is also a flowering plant. The flowers are eaten locally as sweets, noted for their yellow-colored pulp which emerges during maturity, giving off a pleasant fragrance when eaten either fresh or in their sweetened form.

8. Koa – $62 Per Board Foot

Coming in at $62 per board foot, wood from the koa tree has been in use for centuries and can be found growing in the tropical forests of the Hawaiian islands.

While koa trees can be found in relatively large numbers, only the dead or decaying trees found on public lands can be harvested, making this a valuable wood for high-quality instrument makers and other craftsmen.

Perhaps the most popular musical instruments made from koa are guitars and ukuleles, with the legendary guitar manufacturer Fender creating limited-edition versions of their Telecaster and Stratocaster guitars from koa wood.

In addition to making musical instruments from koa, artisans use this uniquely colored wood for fine furniture, small crafts and decorative veneer, crafting intricate patterns comparable to some of the most expensive coins available.

Koa trees grow in the volcanic soil of Hawaiian islands, including Maui, O’ahu and Kaua’i. The wood offers a blend of red and gold tones, giving it a more vibrant appearance than some other woods.

7. Macassar Ebony – $65 Per Board Foot

Macassar ebony wood can be found in Indonesia and has a dark heartwood variegated with streaks of brown with wide stripes featuring hints of yellow and red-brown.

Costing $65 per board foot, this wood derives exclusively from Southeast Asia, where the government sets the annual quota for how much is allowed to be cut, ensuring demand is consistently high.

Macassar ebony has an incredibly high wood density with a striking veneer, which lends itself to high-end cabinetry and musical instruments, and is also a popular wood to use for billiard cues.

The wood is named after the Indonesian port-city Macassar, its primary point of export, and is endemic to this region of the world.

Macassar ebony has close links to Japan, which at one point was the biggest importer of this raw material, and used it for traditional Japanese houses as well as for fingerboards on some of the most expensive guitars in the world.

Its beautiful fine-grained striped ebony wood can sometimes be used for handheld items such as jewelry boxes, walking sticks, and tool handles.

6. Brazilian Rosewood – $70 Per Board Foot

Our first visit to South America on this list of the most expensive woods in the world takes us to Brazil and the rosewood, which grows in the wet tropical forests found throughout the country.

Brazilian rosewood comes from the wood genus Dalbergia and is a hardwood noted for its varied appearance, ranging from dark browns, deep purple and reddish browns with dark, contrasting spider-webbing grain.

It’s also renowned for being easy to work with (as long as you aren’t using dull tools), turning, and finishing well, although the natural oils it produces can make it difficult to glue.

The strength and sturdiness of Brazilian rosewood make it an excellent wood for furniture, while its acoustic properties have led many to view it as among the best woods in the world for guitars and piano cases.

This crispness of tonality can be found in some of the greatest vintage guitars ever made, including the 1948 Martin 000-28, the 1959 Gibson Les Pauls, and the 1902 Fender Stratocaster.

While the trees from which this expensive wood derive grow to an impressive 40 meters high, excessive illegal logging has led to its inclusion in 1992 on the CITES list of endangered species.

5. Pink Ivory – $80 Per Board Foot

Arguably the most uniquely colored wood on this list is pink ivory, an expensive wood from Africa which is sometimes referred to as red ivory wood.

Pink ivory wood ranges across colors, including pale brown pink to a deeper red, with a fine texture and fiddleback grain pattern, making it a beautiful wood for a variety of uses.

Pink ivory is another expensive wood that is popular for billiard cues and knife handles, as well as delicate carvings, chess pieces, and other turned objects.

Historically, pink ivory wood was considered the royal tree of the Zulu people, and any non-royals caught using the unique wood from this national tree were put to death for their transgressions.

Pink ivory is another flowering plant that produces the edible drupe fruit, while other parts of the tree have been used for medicinal purposes.

At $80 per board foot, pink ivory isn’t the most expensive African wood available, though some have claimed it to be “rarer than diamonds.”

However, the fact you can purchase pink ivory pool cues points to its relatively commonplace nature when compared to the most expensive wood in the world.

4. Agar Wood – $10,000 Per Kilogram

While much of the most expensive wood is used for furniture, instruments or fine art pieces, others have their provenance in folk medicine, containing several natural oils with healing properties.

Agar wood is one such extremely rare endangered species, an aromatic wood that grows throughout Southeast Asia.

It comes from the aquilaria tree, which needs to be infected with mold before the tree’s defense produces the dark aromatic resin that eventually embeds itself in the tree’s heartwood.

Agar wood essential oil — known as oud oil — is one of the priciest raw materials used in perfumes and scented candles, and the global market for this expensive wood sits at around $12 billion and growing.

Out of all the most expensive wood in the world, uses for Agar wood trace back into the far reaches of history, mentioned in religious texts including the Sanskrit Vedas and the Book of Genesis.

Health benefits of Agar wood include anti-aging skin, weight loss and increased energy, as well as relieving symptoms from a broad selection of illnesses and disease.

3. Ebony – $10,000 Per Kilogram

While ebony isn’t the most expensive wood from Africa, this extremely dense African black wood is perhaps the best known and has been in use since the times of the Ancient Egyptians and Ancient Greeks.

Located in Western Africa, ebony is most associated with luxury items. Its jet black timber is used for everything from piano keys and statues to ornate chess sets with a glossy finish.

Its durable nature and the ease with which ebony can be polished also make it popular for expensive furniture. In the sixteenth century, it was used for cabinets embellished with ornate pictorial panels.

Ebony’s status as one of the rarest woods in the world is compounded by unsustainable harvesting, which has led to its protection as an endangered species.

The high density of its wood makes ebony difficult to work, having a dulling effect on cutters, while the high oil content can make gluing tricky.

This difficulty to work with and scarcity combine to make ebony a truly special wood, with a high price of $10,000 per kilogram.

2. Sandalwood – $20,000 Per Kilogram

Sandalwood is another of the most expensive woods in the world.

It derives its core value from its plentiful medicinal properties and is believed to work as an anti-inflammatory while protecting against skin cancer and bacteria.

From the Santaium genus and found in Southeast Asia, sandalwood oil is drawn from the tree’s fine-grained wood, which is predominantly yellow.

When sandalwood is used for furniture and ornamental boxes, its aromatic odor is said to persist for years — a quality that contributes to its status as the most expensive wood for scent.

Sandalwood isn’t just prized by the leading perfumers in the world; it has long been used for religious ceremonies, with a number of religious schools of thought including Hinduism, Buddhism and Sufism all using the wood in their rituals and ceremonies.

Indeed, the history of sandalwood stretches back through history to pagan traditions going back millennia and is still widely used in the neopagan rituals of the present day.

1. African Blackwood – $100 Per Board Foot

The most expensive wood in the world, African blackwood, is a dense and striking jet-black wood used for a broad selection of musical instruments due to its favorable density and machinability.

Woodwind instruments such as oboes, clarinets, piccolos and even Highland pipes are particular favorites for African blackwood, with the wood’s decay resistance increasing its prized status.

While predominantly black in color, this rare wood can also sometimes present in deep red and purple hues, with the best quality blackwood fetching $100 per board foot on the timber markets.

Its name derives from Ancient Egypt, despite the fact this wood technically belongs in the African rosewood category and was actually imported by the ancient Egyptians.

The Egyptians took advantage of the exceptional density of African blackwood to make tomb decorations, while in more recent times, Africans have used it to carve everything from utensils to carved statues.

As expected of the most expensive wood in the world, African blackwood is under threat of destruction due to fires used to clear agricultural lands, with some predicting it could become commercially extinct in a matter of decades.

Summary

Precious woods are found from the tropical jungles of South America to the wilds of Africa, each with unique properties which increase their scarcity and value.

The most valuable woods are prized not only for their rarity but also for incredible healing qualities and unique aromas, and are used to make everything from finely-crafted ornaments to the most expensive instruments in the world.

This list has covered the ten most expensive woods in the world, exploring their properties and uses, as well as the history which makes them a prized possession.

Here’s a quick recap of the 10 most expensive woods:

African blackwood – $100 per board foot
Sandalwood – $20,000 per kilogram
Ebony – $10,000 per kilogram
Agar wood – $10,0o00 per kilogram
Pink ivory – $80 per board foot
Brazilian rosewood – $70 per board foot
Macassar ebony – $65 per board foot
Koa – $62 per board foot
Ziricote – $60 per board foot
Cocobolo – $55 per board foot

Which one of the most expensive woods is your favorite? Leave a comment below.

Most Expensive

The 10 Most Expensive Countries to Live in Worldwide

Published

3 weeks ago

Sep 15, 2023

Matt McIntyre

Which are the most expensive countries to live in worldwide? Hold tight, as you’re about to find out.

If you’ve dreamed about moving abroad and starting life afresh in a new country, then read through this list before you do, as you might be shocked to find out just how expensive some of these lesser-known countries are.

We’ve put together this list based on accommodation and living expenses for a single person living in the capital city of each country, and according to population.

Here’s a list of the 10 most expensive countries to live in worldwide…

Table of Contents

The 10 Most Expensive Countries to Live in Worldwide

The list of countries and figures mentioned below have been compiled from various sources around the web, such as World Population Review & Nomad List.

These are the 10 most expensive countries to live in worldwide:

10. Barbados – $2,061

Kicking off our list of the 10 most expensive countries to live in worldwide, is Barbados.

Barbados is a sovereign island nation in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies, which is the Caribbean region of North America.

It covers approximately 349km² and is 23 kilometres wide and 34 kilometres long, with a total population of 285,719 people.

Barbados is the fourth-most densely populated country in the Americas and, it’s capital city, Bridgetown, has approximately 110,000 people living in it.

To rent a one-bedroom studio apartment in Bridgetown, you’re looking at spending around $500 a month, or $100 a night in an Airbnb.

A basic meal out will cost you no less than $13. A beer is around $6.50 and coffee is approximately $5.00 depending on where you go.

9. Japan – $2,612

The ninth most expensive country to live in worldwide is Japan.

Japan is an archipelago island nation in South-East Asia, made up of 6,852 islands, with a current total population of 126.8 million people.

Of the 6,582 islands, the four largest islands account for the majority of inhabitants, as roughly 97% Japans population live on the four islands.

Japan has many major cities, like Osaka, Yokohoma, Nagoya and Sapporo, which are all populated by more than 2 million people.

However, Tokyo, Japans Capital City and the largest city in Japan, has an approximate population of 37 million people.

To rent a one-bedroom studio apartment in Tokyo, you’re looking at spending in the region of $1,370 a month, or $111 a night in an Airbnb.

Eating out varies in price, but as an average for one person, you should be looking at spending around $15.00 for a basic meal and around $6.00 for a beer.

Coffee is also pretty reasonable, considering how expensive Tokyo is, at $2.81 a cup.

8. Norway – $2,659

Located in Northern Europe, Norway is a Scandinavian country with a total population of 5.3 million people.

Norway shares its borders with Sweden, Russia and Finland, and has a total landmass of 385,203 km².

It’s only the 171st most densely populated country on earth, with roughly 14 people for every square kilometre.

Rent is expensive in Norway’s capital, so renting a one-bedroom studio apartment in Oslo, will set you back around $1,193 a month, or $85 a night in an Airbnb.

You won’t have much change left from $15 when buying a meal out, and a beer will set you back around $9.11.

7. The Bahamas – $2,704

The next most expensive country in the world to live in is The Bahamas.

Made up of over 700 islands, the Bahamas has an approximate population of 389,482 million people living across its 13,943km² landmass.

The largest city in the Bahamas is Nassau, with a total population of 255,000.

If you’re thinking about visiting the Bahamas, then you should budget approximately $950 a month for a one-bedroom studio apartment in the city, or $149 a night for an Airbnb.

You’ll need to take at least $50-$100 with you when you go out for a meal and some drinks, as a basic meal costs around $15-$20 and a beer will cost you around $2.50.

Coffee is a little on the expensive side, at around $5 each.

6. Luxembourg – $2,751

One of the smallest countries on our list, Luxembourg, is also one of the smallest sovereign nations on the planet, and it won’t leave you with a lot of wiggle room when it comes to your monthly expenses.

Luxembourg is a landlocked country, located in western Europe, and has an estimated population of 620,319 people.

Its population is small compared to other countries on the list, however, it has roughly 207 people per square kilometre, making it the 67th most densely populated country on earth.

When you arrive in Luxembourg City, you can expect to pay around $1,322 per month for a one-bedroom studio apartment, or $80 a night in an Airbnb.

Luxembourg seems like it’s slightly more expensive than the Bahamas when it comes to luxuries like beer and coffee, as one beer will cost you around $9 and coffee will set you back $6.

Eating a basic meal out will cost between $17-$25 for one person depending on what you order.

5. Iceland – $2,802

Coming in at number five on our list of the most expensive countries in the world is Iceland.

Iceland is located between the North and Atlantic Oceans and has a total surface area of 103,001 square kilometres.

However, Iceland’s population of 339,949 people, remains relatively low in comparison to others on our list as its harsh geographical landscape proves difficult to live in for many, at times.

As a result, Iceland has the lowest population density of any European country, at just 3 people per kilometre.

Staying in Iceland will cost you approximately $1,236 a month for a one-bedroom studio apartment in the capital city of Reykjavik, or $128 a night in an Airbnb.

Whilst you’re there, eating out will cost you around $12 for a basic meal, $8 for a beer and $2.15 for a cup of coffee.

4. Denmark – $3,312

The southernmost Nordic country in Northern Europe, Denmark, is the fourth most expensive country to live in worldwide.

Denmark, bordered by Germany, Sweden and Norway has a total current population of 5.7 million people.

The Scandinavian countries capital city is Copenhagen, which has an urban population of 1.2 million people, and a metropolitan population of 1.99 million.

Known as one of the happiest places to live on earth, Copenhagen is also a very expensive city to live in.

For a one-bedroom studio apartment, you’re looking at $1,917 a month, or $96 a night in an Airbnb.

Eating out will cost you approximately $18 per person and beers and coffee are anyway between $5.50-$6.50 a pop!

3. Switzerland – $3,162

Switzerland is the third most expensive country to live in worldwide.

With more than 8.6 million people living across, 41,285 square kilometres, Switzerland is the 95th most populated country in the world, and the 135th largest country in terms of the total landmass.

Switzerland has a number of beautiful cities to live in, like it’s capital, Bern, and it’s the largest city, Zurich.

Bern has approximately 133,000 people living there and accommodation for a month in Bern, for one person, will cost in the region of $1,366, or $86 a night in an Airbnb.

A meal out will cost you approximately $15-$20, with an additional beer costing around $6.00 and coffee costing around $5.00 a cup.

2. Cayman Islands – $3,387

The Cayman Islands is the second most populated British overseas territory in the world, just behind Bermuda.

It is located in the western end of the Caribbean sea and has a total current population of approximately 63,000 people.

It’s made up of a number of islands like Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.

The Cayman Islands are well known for housing offshore companies, and it’s believed that there are over 100,000 companies registered in the Cayman Islands.

If you’re considering doing business in George Town, the capital city of the Cayman Islands, then a one-bedroom studio apartment will cost you around $1,924 a month or $83 a night in an Airbnb.

Food and drink on the island are where you might spend a lot of your money.

A basic meal out will cost you at least $20-$30, with beer costing around $8.00 and coffee costing around $7 a cup.

1. Bermuda – $5,011

At over $5,000 a month for accommodation and living expenses, Bermuda is the most expensive place to live in worldwide.

Similar to the Cayman Islands, Bermuda is another British territory located in the North Atlantic.

Bermuda has a total population of approximately 65,000 people living across a total landmass of 20.5 square miles.

Its capital city, Hamilton, is also Bermudas only incorporated city and has a current population of just over 1,000 people.

When looking for accommodation in the city, you’re going to need some deep pockets, as a one-bedroom studio apartment will cost you around $2,675 a month, or $212 a night in an Airbnb.

If you’re a drinker, then get prepared to spend some cash, as one glass of beer will cost you a minimum of $10, and dinner will be around $20-$30 per person.

Bermuda is the most expensive country to live in worldwide.

Summary

We hope you enjoyed our list of the 10 most expensive countries to live in worldwide.

Well, there you have it, those were some super expensive countries to live in.

Living in those countries might make you think twice about drinking alcohol, on a regular occasion, and make you sharpen the purse strings a bit more.

However, it’s all relative and depends on your disposable income and expenses.

So, if you’re still planning on moving to, or even visiting one of these countries long term, then at least you know what to expect.

Here’s a quick recap of the 10 most expensive countries to live in worldwide:

Bermuda – $5,011
Cayman Islands – $3,387
Switzerland – $3,162
Denmark – $3,312
Iceland – $2,802
Luxembourg – $2,751
The Bahamas – $2,704
Japan – $2,612
Norway – $2,291
Barbados – $2,061

What’s your favourite most expensive country? Leave a comment below.

Most Expensive

The 20 Most Expensive Engagement Rings In the World

Published

3 weeks ago

Sep 15, 2023

Matt McIntyre

The Most Expensive Engagement Rings in the World

Marriage is something to be celebrated and cherished, so what better way to symbolise your love for someone, than an expensive piece of jewellery!

Now, saying that, there’s expensive and then there’s EXPENSIVE!! You’re about to see the $10 MILLION end of expensive!

Here’s a list of the 20 most expensive Engagement Rings in the world…

The 20 Most Expensive Engagement Rings In the World

The list of engagement rings and figures mentioned below have been compiled from various sources around the web, such as Elite Readers, Hello Magazine & Brides.

These are the 20 most expensive engagement rings in the world:

20. Cardi B – $500,000

The first most expensive engagement ring on the list is owned by American rapper, Cardi B.

The 8-carat pear-shaped engagement ring cost Cardi’s fiance a whopping $500,000!

If you think dropping $500,000 of an engagement ring is a big deal, then keep reading as you they continue to get even more expensive!

19. Kate Middleton – $500,000

The Duchess of Cambridge’s engagement ring consists of a 12-carat sapphire that’s surrounded by diamonds.

The ring actually has a lot more sentimental value than any normal engagement ring, as it was formerly worn by her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.

Princess Diana was loved and adored by many, so to be fortunate enough to wear her ring is a massive privilege.

18. Lady Gaga – $500,000

Next up, we have the engagement ring of Lady Gaga.

If you know anything at all about the performer, you’ll know that she’s pretty flamboyant and likes to do things big!
So, it’s no surprise that her engagement ring cost so much money. The ring is a unique heart-shaped solitaire diamond of roughly 6 carats, made by Lorraine Schwartz.

And to give it a more personal touch, the ring also includes the couple’s initials engraved on the inside of the platinum band.

17. Iggy Azalea – $500,000

If you’re into your hip-hop, then you’ll know who Iggy Azalea is.

The rapper/singer-songwriter has a number of hits like “Fancy, Work & Black Widow.

All those hits gained her a lot of attention, and one particular NBA star, Nick Young, like her so much that he ended up proposing to her.

He chose a 10.43-carat diamond ring that features an 8.15 carat fancy yellow cushion-cut centre stone.

The stone is surrounded by white diamonds and the whole ring is set in 18-Karat white gold.

16. Gabrielle Union – $1 Million

In sixteenth place, we have the engagement ring given to Gabrielle Union.

NBA star Dwyane wade proposed to her with an 8.5-carat cushion-cut diamond in a platinum solitaire setting, made by Jason Arasheben.

It’s simple, minimal and elegant design allows the focus to be directly drawn to the main focal point – the cushion cut diamond!

Stunning!

15. Angelina Jolie – $1 Million

When Brad Pitt proposed to Angelina Jolie back in 2012, he did it with some style.

The ring features an emerald-cut centre diamond of approximately 6 carats and tapered baguette diamonds surrounding the entire ring.

It totally carat weight is approximately 16 carats which are all set in 18k yellow gold.

To make it even more sentimental, Brad designed the ring with the expertise of jeweller Robert Procop.

14. Jennifer Aniston – $1 Million

Jennifer Aniston‘s most recent engagement ring, from fiance Justin Theroux, is a classic solitaire cushion-shaped rose-cut diamond set in 18 Karat yellow gold.

It weighs in around 10 karats and was designed by Jennifer’s friend, Jennifer Meyer.

It’s probably one of the most eye-catching engagement rings you’ll ever see, as you can’t help but notice the massive solitaire diamond!

13. Kate Upton – $1.5 Million

The thirteenth most expensive engagement ring in the world is owned by model and actress, Kate Upton.

The $1.5 million engagement ring, is pretty gigantic, and it’s almost as big as her finances, Justin Verlander‘s, World Series ring!

It’s certainly a bit of a show stopper that’s for sure.

12. Blake Lively – $2.5 Million

Deadpool star, Ryan Reynolds, dazzled his bride to be with this $2.5 million engagement ring.

Its made by Lorraine Schwartz and features a 12-carat oval-cut solitaire diamond, set in 18 karat rose gold.

The ring is right on point when it comes to trend and also features small micro pavé diamonds in the band.

Phenomenal!

11. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis – $2.6 Million

Greek billionaire, Aristotle Onassis proposed to Jacqueline Kennedy with this sensational $2.6 million engagement ring.

The ring was made by Harry Winston and features a 40.42-carat marquise-cut diamond.

It’s truly out of this world and well deserved of its place amongst the most expensive engagement rings in the world.

10. Melania Trump – Million

Breaking into the top ten is Melania Trump’s $3 million 25-carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring.

The Graff diamonds ring is very simplistic and oozes a sense of class.

After some initial speculation into the actual her husband paid for the ring, I’m sure by now she’s super happy with it!

9. Jennifer Lopez – $4.5 Million

When Marc Anthony proposed to Jennifer Lopez in 2004, he sure did it with some style!

The singer, songwriter and actress received a rare blue 8.5-carat diamond ring from Marc, which was valued at approximately $4.5 million!

Unfortunately, the marriage didn’t last, however, the engagement likely either held or increased its value, due to the association with the legendary performer.

8. Grace Kelly – $4.6 Million

Back in 1995, Prince Rainier III of Monaco proposed to Grace Kelley with a mahoosive 10.47 emerald-cut diamond ring, by Cartier.

The ring has received a lot of attention over the years, and rightly so, it’s an incredible piece of jewellery with a unique history.

If you’re in the market for an engagement ring and you have around $5 million to spend, then use this one as a reference point and you won’t go wrong!

7. Paris Hilton – $4.7 Million

Next up we have Paris Hilton‘s engagement ring giving to her by her ex-finance, Paris Latsis.

The $4.7 million 24-carat canary diamond ring ended up being auctioned off to help provide aid for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, as the couple decided to call off the wedding.

At least some good came out of it. $4.7 million bucks can go a long way in times of need.

6. Beyonce – $5 Million

Jay-Z proposed to Beyonce with an 18-carat emerald-cut flawless centre diamond, which is set on a split shank band.

The platinum band contains micro-pavé diamonds and was designed by Lorraine Schwartz. Since it’s creation, it’s also inspired a number of other celebrity engagement rings, some of which are featured on our list!

Overall, the ring is subtle, classy and striking all at the same time.

5. Anna Kournikova – $5.4 Million

Former professional tennis player, Anna Kournikova received beautiful champagne and cognac 11-carat pear-shaped diamond, classicly mounted with diamond accents from her now-husband, Enrique Iglesias.

It’s certainly difficult to miss, and I’m sure it helps start a lot of conversations, as it’s striking, to say the least.

If you’re thinking of designing something for your partner, then perhaps using this one as your inspiration, might not be a bad idea, as it’s in the top five most expensive engagement rings in the world.

However, don’t forget the price, it’s $5.4 million!

4. Kim Kardashian – $8 Million

As always, only the best will do for Kim Kardashian.

Kanye proposed to Kim with a beautiful 15 carat D colour, flawless cushion cut diamond, made by Lorraine Schwartz.

The diamond itself is set as a solitaire on a thin platinum band with micro-pavé diamonds.

It really is a stunning example of bespoke jewellery and well worth its place amongst the most expensive engagement rings in the world.

3. Elizabeth Taylor – $8.8 Million

In third place, we have Elizabeth Taylor’s engagement ring.

Elizabeth’s ring held the title for the largest and most expensive celebrity engagement ring of all time for several decades.

It’s a 33-carat Asscher cut Krupp Diamond, set in platinum which was given to her by Richard Burton.

It’s one hell of a ring, that’s for sure!

2. Blue Diamond by Bvlgari – $9.5 Million

In second place, we have this stunning example of a truly unique engagement ring by Bvlgari.

The 5.4 blue carat diamond ring was purchased by Graff diamonds and once held the title of the worlds most expensive engagement ring.

Getting close to $10 million, this ring is certainly only attainable to the super-wealthy for the super-wealthy.

1. Mariah Carey – $10 Million

Topping them all is Mariah Carey‘s $10 million engagement ring, given to her by her ex-finance, Australian businessman, James Packer.

The emerald-cut diamond ring is a whopping 35-carats and has two delicate tapered baguette diamonds. The ring is set in solid platinum.

Its single focus design insures the diamond truly shows off its splendour and magnificence!

Summary

We hope you enjoyed our list of the 20 most expensive engagement rings in the world.

$10 million for one engagement ring! That’s insane, right? You’d better be sure they’re the one, otherwise, you’re $10 mill in the red!

Here’s a quick recap of the 20 most expensive engagement rings in the world:

Mariah Carey – $10 Million
Blue Diamond by Bvlgari – $9.5 Million
Elizabeth Taylor – $8.8 Million
Kim Kardashian – $8 Million
Anna Kournikova – $5.4 Million
Beyonce – $5 Million
Paris Hilton – $4.7 Million
Grace Kelly – $4.6 Million
Jennifer Lopez – $4.5 Million
Melania Trump – $3 Million
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis – $2.6 Million
Blake Lively – $2.5 Million
Kate Upton – $1.5 Million
Jennifer Aniston – $1 Million
Angelina Jolie – $1 Million
Gabrielle Union – $1 Million
Iggy Azalea – $500,000
Lady Gaga – $500,000
Kate Middleton – $500,000
Cardi B – $500,000

Which ones are your favourite most expensive engagement rings in the world? Leave a comment below.

Most Expensive

The 10 Most Expensive Hotels in the World

Published

3 weeks ago

Sep 14, 2023

Matt McIntyre

Have you ever wondered what the most expensive hotel in the world is?

Well, forget your typical $200 – $500 a night weekend getaways, as the ones on this list start at $28,000 a night!

From luxury penthouse suites, overlooking breathtaking city vistas, to lavish underwater hotels, the pricy pads on this list have it all.

So, if money is no object for you and you’re looking for your next premium getaway, then here’s a list of the 10 most expensive hotels in the world.

Table of Contents

The 10 Most Expensive Hotels in the World

The list of hotels and figures mentioned below have been compiled from various sources around the web, such as Travel Top List & Highsnobiety.

These are the 10 most expensive hotels in the world:

10. The Royal Suite – Burj Al-Arab – $28,000

Starting off the list of the most expensive hotels in the world is one of the most well-known hotels, the Burj Al-Arab.

Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Burj was marketed as the worlds first ever seven-star hotel, and it goes without saying that it most definitely lives up to expectations.

It’s the seventh-tallest hotel in the world and was designed by architect, Tom Wright, to resemble the sail of a ship.

The hotel stands on a man-made artificial island, that’s only accessible to the mainland by a private curving bridge.

As well as all the lavish bells and whistles you’d expect to find inside a seven-star hotel, like an underwater restaurant that’s accessible by submarine; the Burj Al-Arab also has its very own private helipad, near the roof, approximately 210 metres above sea level.

One night in the royal suite will cost you a minimum of $28,000.

The 780 square-metre suite, set over two floors, is decorated in 22-karat gold and comes with a private dining area and butler, spa, private lounge and numerous staff to answer your every beck and call.

Not bad for $28,000 a night!

9. The Royal Suite – The Plaza – $40,000

Next up we have another “Royal Suite”, but this one’s in The Plaza, New York and will run you a cool $40,000 a night!

So, what do you get for that? Well, to start with you get to the suite using the buildings private lift, that only you can use.

Next, you enter the 400 square-foot suite and are greeted with an exquisitely designed living room; equipped with the latest top of the line amenities and luxuries.

The suite has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a lounge, a separate dining room, which seats up to 12 people, and a fitness room.

From the bedroom, you have a spectacular view of fifth avenue. So if you don’t feel like lounging around in bed all day, then you can make use of the 24-hour butler service the suite provides.

8. The Hilltop Villa – $45,000

The Hilltop Villa is tucked away in paradise, only accessible to the super-rich.

The hotel is located Laucala island in Fiji and costs an impressive $45,000 a night.

But, for that, you’ll get a four-acre villa, split into three separate villas; that each offers the most beautiful views of the island.

The first villa, “The Delana” comes with a master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe, a library, a living room, your own large private pool with waterfall and hot tub and a solid wood soaking tub.

The second villa, “The Dua”, has similar specifications but sleeps two comfortably, with sliding doors separating all the rooms.

And lastly, “The Rua” has a separate living area and large private pool and is the second biggest villa out of the three.

If you’re looking to get away with friends or family, then The Hilltop Villa could be a perfect getaway as it sleeps up to eight people and has all the luxurious you need from a hotel.

7. The Muraka Suite – The Conrad – $50,000

Coming in at number seven on our list of the most expensive hotels in the world is The Muraka.

The suite is located in the Maldives at The Conrad and is marketed as the worlds first underwater hotel suite.

The Muraka is two stories tall, with the bottom story being roughly 16 feet below the Indian Ocean.

For $50,000 a night, you can expect to be automatically upgraded to Hilton Diamond Status upon arrival; enjoy a private chef, bar, gym, butler and infinity pool.

However, don’t get too ahead of yourself as there’s a four-night minimum stay requirement.

So, if you really want to stay there then you’re looking to spend more in the region of $200,000!

6. The Penthouse Suite – Hôtel Martinez – $53,000

The Penthouse Suite, in the Hôtel Martinez, will set you back $53,000 a night.

Hôtel Martinez is located in Cannes, France, which is one of the best-known resorts in the Côte D’Azur.

For your $53,000 you can expect to enjoy a 1000 square foot suite on the uppermost floor of the hotel; with stunning panoramic views across the ocean from your own private wood-panelled panorama terrace.

You’ll also have king-sized beds in each of the four bedrooms, a separate living and dining room, marble bathrooms, a Turkish bath and a private jacuzzi on the terrace.

If you’re into your art, then you’ll be pleased to know that there are several artefacts from Picasso and Matisse decorating the walls of the suite.

If art’s not really your thing, then you can sit back and enjoy the view from the terrace!

5. Ty Warner Penthouse – Four Seasons – $60,000

Kicking off the top five countdown is the Ty Warner Penthouse at the Four Seasons Hotel, New York.

The luxury hotel suite is named after the owner of the building, Ty Warner and will cost you around $60,000 a night.

Located on the very top floor of the building, the 52nd to be exact; the $400 square-metre suite cost approximately $50 million dollars to complete.

The suite comes with a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and contains four glass balconies that provide views of uptown, midtown and downtown New York.

Now, you’ll only get one bedroom with this suite; but you’ll also get a spa, a rock crystal master bathroom, a panorama infinity tub, a private elevator and a dedicated guest relations manager and chauffeured rolls Royce at your disposal.

If that’s not enough, then you can take advantage of the unlimited massages that are thrown in for good measure.

4. The Mark Penthouse – The Mark Hotel – $75,000

The Mark hotels grand Penthouse is the largest hotel suite penthouse in the United States, covering a whopping 10,000 square feet.

For you $75,000 a night, you can expect a spacious penthouse that’s spread out over the top two floors of the hotel.

You’ll get 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 4 fireplaces, 2 wet bars, 2 powder rooms and a large open plan living room.

The living room also has its own party trick; as it can be transformed into a full-size ballroom with 26-foot ceilings.

Perhaps one of the nicest features of the penthouse suite is its 250-square-metre terrace, with panoramic views of Central Park.

So if you want to play the King/Queen of New York for a while, then book your self a few nights in this suite!

3. The Royal Penthouse – Hotel President Wilson – $80,000

If you’re in Geneva, Switzerland and have $80,000 to spend a night, then this is the hotel for you.

The Royal Penthouse in the Hotel President Wilson occupies the entire 8th floor of the hotel.

It offers a panoramic view of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, as well as 12 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms and a jacuzzi bath overlooking the lake.

Besides the luxurious furnishings and views, you’ll also benefit from a 24/7 personal assistant, private chef and butler.

If safety is a top concern for you when staying in a luxury hotel then rest assured that the Royal Penthouse is one of the safest places to be.

It has bulletproof glass, 24/7 security, a security camera system throughout the suite and a fortified safe to store your valuables.

You’ll also find a 1930 Brunswick billiard table, a Steinway grand piano and a Bang & Olufsen’s BeoVision 4-103 home cinema system.

And, all this can be reached by your own private elevator!

2. Empathy Suite – The Palms – $100,000

Breaking the $100,000 a night price tag; the Empathy Suite at The Palms, Las Vegas, is the second most expensive hotel in the world.

The Empathy Suite was the result of a full redesign, by Damian Hurst, and a complete overhaul of the old Sky Villa suite.

For $100,000 you’ll get two master bedrooms, massage tables, a cantilevered jacuzzi that overlooks the Las Vegas strip, a salt relaxation room and a private tour of the properties art collection and amenities.

This hotel suite is really for art lovers, as space includes six Damian Hurst originals and custom furniture that includes his motifs.

So, if you’re a Damian Hurst fan and you’ve got the spare cash, then treat yourself!

1. Lover’s Deep – Luxury Submarine Hotel – $150,000

At $150,000 a night, the Lover’s Deep Luxury Submarine Hotel is the most expensive hotel in the world.

Now, it’s not the same type of experience you’d expect from some of the other hotels on the list, as it requires you to go underwater in a submarine.

However, if you want to combine a night away with an experience, then perhaps this is the hotel for you.

The submarine/hotel is located in St Lucia and can be navigated around the Caribbean to suit its guests requirements.

You’ll get 5-star accommodation beneath the waves which includes, your own captain, private chef and butler, speed boat transfers to and from the submarine, and some additional optional add-ons, like helicopter transfers, beach landings and champagne-soaked breakfasts.

The Lover’s Deep Submarine is fully equipped with the ultimate in luxury, and everything you’d want from an experience like this.

Furthermore, you have the option to modify the voyage to suit your own preferences if you wish, so if you prefer a particular location to another, the captain will follow your commands.

This would truly be an experience of a lifetime and one you’d never forget – staying in the most expensive hotel in the world!

Summary

We hope you enjoyed our list of the 10 most expensive hotels in the world.

How about that! A submarine hotel that costs $150,000 a night. I bet you didn’t see that one coming. I didn’t, that’s for sure.

So, there you have it, the most expensive hotels in the world range from traditional brick and mortar buildings, in some of the most prestigious cities in the world, to underwater havens that cruise around the Caribbean at your beck and call.

What an awesome world we live in!

Here’s a quick recap of the 10 most expensive hotels in the world: