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Often hailed as the game of kings, chess transcends strategy and intellect to become a canvas for extraordinary craftsmanship and luxury. The world’s most exclusive chess sets are not just games but masterpieces—crafted from gold, platinum, and precious gems, or imbued with centuries of history and artistry.

These extraordinary creations cater to those with a discerning eye for rarity and beauty, transforming a timeless pastime into a statement of taste and status. This guide showcases ten of the most expensive, unique, and extravagant chess boards ever made, perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

  1. The Jewel Royale Chess Set

Valued at an astonishing £9 million, the Jewel Royale Chess Set is the most expensive chess set ever created. This opulent masterpiece is crafted from 18-carat gold and platinum, with pieces encrusted with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. The king alone features a flawless 73-carat yellow diamond, making it a true symbol of wealth and grandeur. Designed in the United Kingdom, this set was originally commissioned as part of a luxury branding project. With unmatched materials and meticulous craftsmanship, it is a one-of-a-kind piece created for royalty or collectors seeking the ultimate display of extravagance.

  1. The Pearl Royale Chess Set by Colin Burn

Handcrafted by Australian jeweller Colin Burn, the Pearl Royale Chess Set is worth over £3 million. Each piece is made from solid platinum and adorned with white and black South Sea pearls, diamonds, and sapphires. The board itself features mother-of-pearl squares framed in white gold. This set combines classic chess aesthetics with a contemporary luxury twist, designed for connoisseurs of fine jewellery and chess enthusiasts alike. Limited to just a single creation, the set embodies exclusivity and the meticulous artistry of haute joaillerie.

 
  1. The Art of War Chess Set by Victor F. Scharstein

Inspired by Sun Tzu’s timeless military treatise The Art of War, this £500,000 chess set is a celebration of strategy and craftsmanship. Each piece is intricately sculpted in gold and silver, encrusted with rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. The board is a work of art featuring gold inlays and lacquered detailing. Created by master craftsman Victor F. Scharstein, this set is a collector’s treasure and a statement of luxury. Every piece embodies the principles of war and peace, combining historical reverence with artistic splendour.

  1. The Carolingi XIV Chess Board by Piero Benzoni

This £400,000 chess set pays homage to medieval history with its sculptural depictions of knights, kings, and warriors. Each piece is cast in gold and silver, intricately detailed to reflect the armour and regalia of the Carolingian dynasty. The board, crafted from fine marble with gilded accents, adds to its regal appearance. Italian artist Piero Benzoni, renowned for his historical recreations, designed this set for collectors who value historical accuracy and unparalleled artistry.

  1. The Baccarat Crystal Chess Set

A modern interpretation of luxury, the Baccarat Crystal Chess Set is priced at £250,000. Each piece is meticulously cut from the brand’s signature clear and midnight-black crystal, creating a minimalist yet opulent aesthetic. The board itself is crafted from polished crystal squares with a reflective base. Known for its geometric precision, this set combines artistry and innovation, ideal for those who appreciate contemporary luxury. The crystal’s purity and brilliance elevate chess to an art form.

  1. The Imperial Chess Set by Fabergé

Created by the legendary Russian jewellery house Fabergé, the Imperial Chess Set is valued at £200,000. Inspired by the grandeur of the Romanov dynasty, each piece features Fabergé’s signature enamelwork and delicate gold filigree. The pawns and knights are designed as miniature Fabergé eggs, while the king and queen are adorned with precious gemstones. The board itself is crafted from ebony and gold, exuding imperial elegance. This heirloom piece celebrates the luxury of Russian craftsmanship and historical significance.

  1. The J. Grahl Chess Set

Commissioned in 1972 for £180,000, the J. Grahl Chess Set is a marvel of medieval artistry. Each piece, sculpted in gold and silver, depicts knights, castles, and mythical creatures intricately detailed down to the finest chainmail links. The board features an ornate silver frame with carved motifs, adding to its grandeur. Designed by artist Jim Grahl, this set is a favourite among collectors who appreciate historical themes and exquisite craftsmanship. It’s a chess set where every move feels like stepping into a medieval epic.

  1. The Game of Kings Set by Geoffrey Parker

Geoffrey Parker’s bespoke Game of Kings chess set, valued at £150,000, redefines customisation. The leather-bound board is hand-stitched and available in a range of colours, while the pieces are crafted from sterling silver and inlaid with precious gemstones. Each set is personalised for its owner, with options for initials, family crests, or bespoke designs. Known for their craftsmanship in luxury games, Geoffrey Parker’s team ensures each set uniquely reflects its owner’s tastes and status.

  1. The Gold Standard by Piero Benzoni

Piero Benzoni’s Gold Standard chess set, priced at £120,000, is a study in simplicity and elegance. Crafted entirely from 24-carat gold, each piece gleams with meticulous hand-finishing. The board is constructed from polished onyx, strikingly contrasting the golden pieces. Designed for those who value pure luxury, this set is an embodiment of Italian craftsmanship at its finest. Its clean lines and timeless materials make it both an investment and a statement piece.

10. The Silver Jubilee Chess Set by Geoffrey Parker

Commissioned to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee, this limited-edition set is worth £100,000. Each piece is crafted from solid sterling silver, with intricate designs reflecting British heritage. The pawns are miniature guardsmen, while the rooks resemble castle towers. Finished in navy blue leather with silver detailing, the board adds to its regal charm. A tribute to British craftsmanship and history, this chess set is a prized collector’s item.

From jewel-encrusted sets to pieces steeped in imperial history, these extraordinary chess boards redefine the boundaries of art, luxury, and rarity. Each one tells a story of exceptional craftsmanship and exclusivity, offering more than a game—it’s an heirloom, a legacy, and a work of art.

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