Luxury Swiss watchmaker Raymond Weil is well-known for its fabulous timepieces.  A recent introduction into their impressive collection was the Cuore Caldo Split-Seconds Chronograph, which allows the timing of two different time intervals.  Limited to 500 pieces, the watch also features 18 carat pink gold in and surrounding the striking black dial, 31 rubies and a vulcanized strap to go along with impressive technical specs.

Weil has also incorporated its product line expansion into the release of this extraordinary watch.  The 500 purchasers of the Cuore Caldo will also receive a box set including a pair of gold-plate, steel and carbon fibre cufflinks, as well as a brass/carbon fibre ballpoint pen.  These fine accessories mirror the style of the Cuore Caldo and continue the tradition of fine Raymond Weil craftsmanship.

Special care goes into the creation of the world's celebrated architectural structures.  Over 1 million tiles cover the series of concrete shells that give the Sydney Opera House its signature look.  Currently under construction, the innovative Chicago Spire features turns in the structure that will make each luxury residence in the tower unique. 

Architectural icons inspire in many ways, and have moved diamond company Hearts on Fire to create limited-edition pieces of jewelry based on elements of famous landmarks.  Counting a necklace mimicking the sails of the Sydney Opera House and earrings with strings of diamonds replicating the twists of The Chicago Spire, the Hearts on Fire Architectural Collection is comprised of 17 exquisite pieces.  The photo above shows the Ceremonious bracelet, a take on Beijing's National Stadium, or the "Bird's Nest" as it was affectionately called during the recently completed Beijing Olympics. 

View the entire Architectural Collection here.  Maybe you can find a favorite icon of yours to dangle from your ears, display on your neck, or wrap your wrist.

With our times now filled with digital assistants like cell phones to PDAs, many people-on-the-go are choosing to forego wearing a wristwatch.  Some view a watch as pointless- why outfit yourself with a watch when you can just check the time on your phone or Blackberry used to track your hectic schedule? 

In my view, however, the wristwatch will be spared the same fate as the sundial.  Elegant timepieces are more than just functional; they are an expression of personal style.  A fine timepiece wrapping your wrist can also signify a special status- especially if that watch were as exclusive as the latest Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti watch. The luxury brands come together in one exceptional piece, paying tribute to the new Bugatti Veyron Faubourg Par Hermes car, with its chassis-like construction and leather band.  The tilted watch face makes it possible for a luxury car driver to check the time without removing their hands from the wheel or tilting their head. 

Only 20 of the remarkable timepieces are available in 18 carat rose or brushed white gold. The superior craftsmanship and ultra-exclusivity is reflected in the watch's $233,900 price.  Find out more at Parmigiani Fleurier.

Recently I wrote about the $20,000 diamond encrusted iPhone case (along with a few thoughts on the mass hysteria created by the latest gadget).  Due to the crazed consumers, the new 3G is an unquestionable success for Apple, who claims over a million phones were sold in the first weekend of the product's global launch.

It is highly unlikely that there will be a million Amosu Ultimo Diamond iPhones sold in one weekend...actually, it's almost a sure thing that this phone will never reach the million-sold mark.  But for this elite luxury phone, that is precisely the point.  Only a select few will be able to shell out the £89,000 (a little more than $177,000) for the luxury phone that is handcrafted by artisans and outfitted with 1,179 diamonds, including 61 comprising the familiar Apple logo. 

At the very least it would make a lot more sense to fill your $20,000 case with the Amosu phone, rather than the one a million people waited hours in line for a few weeks ago. 
Check out the video below:

I'm still not entirely sure why someone would wait in line for hours to buy the latest gadget. But last week as I passed the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue, I saw the line of consumers awaiting the opportunity to get their hands on the new iPhone 3G snake down the street and around the corner.  

The answers to why hundreds (thousands?) of people would wait in such a line could vary, I suppose:   the simple desire to be one of the first to own the phone, they actually need the various features to support a hectic work schedule or everyday lifestyle, they are coerced by intensive hype, etc, etc.  Whatever the motivation, one thing is certain - people love their iPhones.

Because it is such a precious commodity, owners will want to be certain their phone is protected.  One way to ensure a minimum of wear and scratches is to invest in a Case-mate diamond iPhone case.  The $20,000 sheath is outfitted with 42 diamonds set in 18K gold on a carbon fiber leather case.  And in the spirit of the rush for the phone itself...quantities of the luxury case are extremely limited, so if you want one you should act fast!

Father's Day is about a week away, and if you're anything like me you are on the hunt for a perfect gift.  Every year, I struggle to locate the perfect token of appreciation for my wonderful father. I recently ran across the lavish Clive Christian Traveler Set. I think it fits the 'perfect father's day gift' criteria to a tee.  Sets are always nice - usually you get the "best of" products assembled in some type of luxurious packaging.  This set is no exception.  It includes three 0.3 ounce fragrances – No. 1 Pure Perfume, 1872 Pure Perfume and X Pure Perfume. The sophisticated woodsy fragrances combined with hints of warm amber and brisk cedarwood are presented in a decadently sleek black box, which is embossed with the Clive Christian signature crown and lined with satin. It is classic and the ideal gift for any dad who enjoys the finer things in life.

I recently purchased a new cell phone.  Before doing so, I conducted a bit of research on a few different devices.  Unfortunately, I think I left out a significant group - luxury, designer cell phones.

Prada - the infamous luxury fashion house - joined forces with LG to create the Prada Phone by LG.  This sleek phone is less than a half inch thick - that's thinner than a credit card!  Mobiado's Camo is crafted with actual aircraft aluminum, and the brilliant color design is hand painted onto each phone.  As a result, each Camo manufactured is unique.  Bang & Olufsen launched the Serene.  It's no surprise that this phone is a creation of B&O, with its innovatively edgy appearance and a built-in motor that allows for effortless opening and closing.

The merging of designers and technology definitely caught my attention so I did a little investigating.  My findings:  this trend is without question on the rise.  Christian Dior and Tag Huer are scheduled to launch luxury cell phones later this year.  I suppose, for the time being, my Blackberry Pearl will have to do.

A luxury accessory doesn't necessarily have to astronomically expensive to be considered luxurious.  Sometimes, it can just be fabulous.  A perfect example of this is the 1 GB Swarovski crystal-encrusted portable memory drive. At first glance, it simply looks like a jewel adorned lock, but it's actually the perfect solution for the busy professional on the go.  Whether you're working from home, on a plane or by the pool, this stylish gadget allows you to have immediate access to important documents, photographs and even music.  With the hectic nature of the successful working professional, you will never again have to frantically call a colleague to request a spreadsheet be faxed to you.  This functional, in vogue portable memory drive allows you to have any file you might need at your disposal – anywhere at anytime.

Champagne House Veuve Clicquot has teamed with designer Karim Rashid to create the Globalight, an artistic, glowing, portable cooler to house your most special champagne.  I guess now I can finally get rid of that Styrofoam cooler with pink fluorescent lights mounted on the side that I've been toting around all these years.  The pre-chilled base of the stylish Globalight will keep Champagne at the ideal temperature for up to four hours, while the soft LED light display sets the mood for any entertaining environment.

The limited edition unique tote/chiller/design piece is available on eclicquot.com for $4,500.

With spring in full motion and the warm, summer sun right around the corner, sunglasses are an essential accessory.  The luxury market is full of options when it comes to the perfect pair of shades, including a plethora of styles, shapes and colors.  If you're overwhelmed by the options, why not take a look at the Michele collection. 

The glamorous, Hollywood-esque Aventura glasses are decked out with the "Deco Diamond" logo, which consists of 108 hand-set diamonds amounting to .60 ct tw.  With gradient lenses that offer 100% UV protection, these $1,250 glasses will not only protect your eyes from the bright rays, but will definitely set you apart from the crowd.