In the time of social media where our fractured attention span is a growing cause of concern, a game like chess forces players to indulge themselves in structure and discipline. Beyond the psychological warfare, the most alluring quality of chess also lies in the game’s artistic design. A lavish chess set is visually stimulating and just as impressive as the tactical complexities required to ace the game. Not all chess enthusiasts have to be incredible players, and some even take pride in merely being collectors of the age-old game. Let’s take a look at some of the most expensive chess sets in the world, made of lavish materials with intricate craftsmanship.
Despite being a game that relies on quiet moments and silent spectators for the players to plan their moves, the offline side of chess has been rattled with scandals and controversies like any other sport. Most recently, the rules of FIDE ( International Chess Federation) came under scrutiny after they opposed five-time World Chess Champion, Magnus Carlsen’s decision to compete in the World Rapid Championships game while wearing jeans. Rejecting Carlsen’s offer to pay a fine instead of changing his attire for the game, the tiff between FIDE and the player eventually ended with Carlsen withdrawing from the tournament.
Do aesthetics play a big role in chess tournaments? While netizens debated about the controversy with many supporting Carlsen, the rules of the chess federation remain in question. The world of chess isn’t as black and white as its pawns and while the sport continues to make headlines, there is more to cherish about the game besides its players and rules.
Beyond appreciating the strategic moves of the best chess players in the world, fans of the game can also admire the artistic nature of the physical game itself with some luxury chess boards that are a winning combination of art and intellect. Check out some of the most expensive chess sets in the world that deserve your attention.
The most expensive chess sets in the world
Royal Diamond chess set
Designed by renowned French artist and designer Bernard Maquin as part of the Charles Hollander Collection, the Royal Diamond Chess set is one of the most valuable chess sets in the world. Intricately crafted with premium materials, the 32-piece set is unlike anything the chess world has ever witnessed, composed of white gold and diamonds. The custom-made set also comes with a fascinating design story as over thirty artisans worked for 4,500 hours to help create its stunning pattern. Its luxurious look is enhanced thanks to its glittering assortment of 9,900 black and white diamonds weighing a total of 186 carats. The diamond-encrusted chess set fetched a whopping USD 1 million, making the enchanting set a collector’s dream.
The Art Of War chess set
Taking inspiration from the popular work of ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu, the bejewelled Art of War chess set is designed by Victor F. Scharstein. Emanating true luxury from its jewelled ebony board, the set further attracts attention with its unique rhodium and gold pieces. A fitting addition to our list of most expensive chess sets in the world, this design wows with its incorporation of varied precious stones like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. The Chinese version of the board also features the words ‘Art of War’ etched in 14k gold. Every piece on the chess board is hand-crafted with gold and the dazzling board also rests on two yellow gold feet encrusted with diamonds, and two white gold feet encrusted with rubies. The definition of opulence, this chess set is estimated to cost over USD 50,000.
The Pearl Royale
Regarded as one of the most opulent chess sets in the world, and rightly so, the Pearl Royale is a sight to behold thanks to its masterpiece design created by Australian jewellery artist Colin Burn. The lavish set is adorned with 513 carats of diamonds, blue sapphires, and South Sea pearls. An interpretation of the Staunton design, which has been the world standard since 1849, the Pearl Royale celebrates the legacy of the classic design through its meticulously crafted pieces.
Every element on this chess set defines grandeur, including the underside of each piece that is encrusted with channel-set diamonds that smoothly sit across the crystal glass and diamond embellished chess board. Beyond its beautiful design, the functionality of this gorgeous chess set has also been tested by Grand Master Fabiano Caruana who first displayed his strategic moves on the dazzling board. A fitting addition to the list of most expensive chess sets, the Pearl Royale is estimated to cost USD 4 million.
Jewel Royale
Jewel Royale Chess Set… 9.8 million dollars
The most expensive chess set in the world was sold in Britain. It is made of gold, platinum, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, black and white pearls. Each figure is decorated with a spiral of precious stones in the middle. pic.twitter.com/pXWhGyNcPB
— World Chess (@theworldchess) April 24, 2018
Costing as much as the estimated net worth of Fabiano Caruana, the greatest Italian Chess player of all time, in 2023, the Jewel Royale chess set, which is priced at USD 9.8 million, is one of the most expensive chess sets ever made. The exorbitant price tag of this chess set is attributed to its stellar beauty derived from the premium jewels incorporated in its design including diamonds, emeralds, rubies, pearls, and sapphires. Made of gold and platinum, the Jewel Royale was commissioned by the Royale Jewel Company in Britain. A highlight of this stunning chess set is its king piece, which reportedly weighs 165.2 grams and is made out of 18k yellow gold in a spiraling design adorned with 73 rubies and 146 diamonds.
Battle of Issus chess set
One of the most unique chess sets in the world, the Battle of Issus is inspired by the historic Battle of Issus that took place in Anatolia way back in 333 BC. Handcrafted over a decade, the 14k gold set is lavishly adorned with semi-precious stones that shine with bright enamel. The eye-catching board is designed out of pink rhodonite and green malachite squares, but this isn’t the main feature of the precious set. Bringing the game to life in a fascinating manner, this chess set is also equipped with mechanical elements that allow pieces to make movements, like archers drawing back their bows and horses shaking their manes. Furthermore, the intricate design also has mini sculptures of the Greek goddess Athena and the Persian god of war. Given its incredible design, the chess set is valued at over USD 1.9 million.
The Christian I Von Munch chess set
For fans of vintage collectables and antiques, the Christian I Von Munch chess set is an instant winner considering its impeccable roots dating back to the 18th century. There is much to appreciate in this historic gem, which is made of carved ivory and ebony wood with a tortoiseshell veneer inlaid with silver stars and scrolls. The chess pieces are made of ivory and ebonised walnut on silver bases, designed in the form of standing warriors and figures on elephants and horseback with intricate detailing. History aficionados can also relish the fact that every piece of this set is stamped with the maker’s mark of Paul Solanier (1635-1724), who was active in Augsburg in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The historically rich chess set was auctioned off in 2018 and fetched a price of USD 547,192.
Pagoda figurines chess set
Another chess set worth marvelling at thanks to its ancient appeal is this chessboard featuring Pagoda figurines as kings and queens, from the 18th century workshop of Johannes Mann and Emanuel Eiche. The antique chess set celebrates the oriental origins of the game and is impressively designed with a chess board that consists of contrasting colours. The figurines of Kings and Queens are crafted out of Meissen porcelain; the black pieces are made from aventurine glass with silver-gilt mounts and tortoiseshell bases, while the white pieces are set in mother-of-pearl with gold mounts. Also featured on the chess board are elaborately designed paintings of mythological creatures and exotic animals. According to Sotheby’s listing, the estimated value of the chess set is approximately USD 393,900.
J.Grahl chess set
Among the list of luxurious jewel-studded chess sets, another iconic design is the J. Grahl chess set made out of 14k yellow and white gold. The embellished pieces of this set consist of two kings and queens with diamonds in their crowns, as well as sapphires and rubies in their breastplates. Designed in 1971, the chess set has historic references and represents a cross-section of Europe in the 13th and 14th centuries. A key highlight among the pieces is the design for the rook, which gives a nod to the Falkenstein Castle. In 2022, this stunning chess set was featured on display at Windsor Jewelers, priced at USD 1 million.
(Main and featured images: Colin Burn Art Jewellery)
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
