When everyday essentials are elevated with precious metals and rare gemstones, their prices can soar to breathtaking heights, as seen with the world’s most expensive water or diamond-encrusted luxury watches.
At Luxe Digital, we believe a truly rich life is crafted from unique experiences, not merely extravagant acquisitions. Yet, we can’t resist the allure of curiosity—or the spark of a captivating conversation starter.
Our celebrated Striking Superlatives series dives into the world’s most opulent creations, and this time, the world’s most expensive phones are calling. Far beyond the latest iPhone or Samsung flagship, these ultra-luxury devices dial decadence to dazzling heights.
Adorned with rare diamonds in various shapes, hand-sculpted gold in different karats, or exotic woods, the world’s most expensive phones are less about connectivity and more about audacious artistry. With price tags rivaling supercars or fine jewelry, they transform the everyday into the extraordinary, doubling as status symbols and collector’s treasures. Think you splurged on that new iPhone? These mobile masterpieces make it feel like pocket change.Whether it’s the rarity of the world’s most expensive diamonds or the prestige of owning a one-of-a-kind creation, these ultra-luxury phones transcend functionality to become mobile—works of art.
13. Vertu Signature Cobra — $310,000
Designed by Kering-owned French jeweler Boucheron for Vertu, the Signature Cobra is a serpentine masterpiece from 2006. Its gold-plated cobra snake design is wrapped with 439 rubies, two emeralds, and a single diamond. Only eight units were hand-assembled in the UK.
Vertu faced bankruptcy in 2017 but has been revived under Vertu AK France, launching innovative Web3 AI phones like the $12,000 Quantum Flip (a 2025 quantum-enhanced luxury flip), with custom models exceeding $20,000.
| Price: | $310,000 |
| Released: | 2006 |
| Materials | Gold-plated |
| Gemstones: | 439 rubies, two emeralds, one diamond |
| Units Made: | Eight |
| Craftsmanship: | Boucheron for Vertu |
12. Goldvish Revolution — $488,150
A 2008 collaboration between Goldvish and Swiss watchmaker Frederic Jouvenot, the Goldvish Revolution features a detachable analog watch, pink and white gold, 29 carats of VVS-1 diamonds, and premium leather. Only nine units were crafted.
| Price: | $488,150 |
| Released: | 2008 |
| Materials | Pink and white gold, leather |
| Gemstones: | 29 carats of VVS-1 diamonds |
| Units Made: | Nine |
| Craftsmanship: | Goldvish and Frederic Jouvenot |
11. Gresso Luxor Las Vegas Jackpot — $1 Million
Launched in 2010, Gresso’s Luxor Las Vegas Jackpot is a triumph of rare materials. Its 180 grams of gold and 200-year-old African blackwood (one of the world’s most expensive wood) body is accented with 45.5 carats of black diamonds. Only three uniquely engraved units were produced, making it a collector’s dream. Gresso continues to innovate, recently expanding into luxury eyewear.
| Price: | $1 million |
| Released: | 2010 |
| Materials | Gold, African blackwood |
| Gemstones: | 45.5 carats of black diamonds |
| Units Made: | Three |
| Craftsmanship: | Gresso |
10. Goldvish Le Million — $1.3 Million
Once crowned by Guinness World Records as the world’s most expensive phone, the Goldvish Le Million, designed by Emmanuel Gueit, is a study in extravagance. Its 18-carat white gold body is adorned with 120 carats of VVS-1 diamonds. Priced at €1 million (hence its name), the Goldvish Le Million debuted at the Millionaire Fair in Cannes, France, in September 2006. This exclusive masterpiece was limited to just three units worldwide. The Swiss manufacturer ceased operations around 2017.
| Price: | $1.3 million |
| Released: | 2006 |
| Materials | 18-carat white gold |
| Gemstones: | 120 carats of VVS-1 diamonds |
| Units Made: | Three |
| Craftsmanship: | Emmanuel Gueit for Goldvish |
9. Diamond Crypto Smartphone — $1.3 Million
Designed by Peter Aloisson for JSC Ancort, a Russian company, the Diamond Crypto Smartphone blends security with splendor. Launched in 2006, its platinum body is accented with rose gold and 50 diamonds, including 10 rare blue diamonds. With advanced encryption technology, it was a special-order creation, likely one-of-a-kind. JSC Ancort ceased operations around 2010.
| Price: | $1.3 million |
| Released: | 2006 |
| Materials | Platinum, rose gold |
| Gemstones: | 50 diamonds (10 rare blue diamonds) |
| Units Made: | One (special order) |
| Craftsmanship: | Peter Aloisson for JSC Ancort |
8. Stuart Hughes iPhone 3GS Supreme Rose — $2.4 Million
Priced at £1.93 million in 2009 (approximately $2.5 million), this Stuart Hughes creation features a platinum body, 130 diamonds totaling 97.5 carats, four 2.5-carat pink baguette diamonds, and a 7.1-carat diamond home button. A rose gold Apple logo with 53 diamonds and an ostrich leather wallet complete this 2009 masterpiece, likely limited to one or two units.
| Price: | $1.93 million |
| Released: | 2009 |
| Materials | Platinum, rose gold |
| Gemstones: | 183 diamonds (97.5 carats), 7.1-carat diamond |
| Units Made: | One or two |
| Craftsmanship: | Stuart Hughes |
7. iPhone 3G Kings Button — $2.5 Million
Austrian jeweler Peter Aloisson transformed the iPhone 3G into an opulent masterpiece. Its 18-carat white, rose and yellow gold body is adorned with 138 brilliant-cut diamonds, crowned by a 6.6-carat diamond home button.
| Price: | $2.5 million |
| Released: | 2008 |
| Materials | 18-carat yellow, white, and rose gold |
| Gemstones: | 138 brilliant-cut diamonds, 6.6-carat diamond |
| Units Made: | One (custom commission) |
| Craftsmanship: | Peter Aloisson |
6. Amosu Call of Diamond iPhone 6 — $2.7 Million
Designed by luxury entrepreneur Alexander Amosu (whose clients include 50 Cent and Queen Latifah), the Call of Diamond iPhone 6 is a glittering spectacle. Its 18-carat gold body is encrusted with 6,127 VVS1 diamonds, and one big 51.29 carat diamond exactly cut to the shape of Apple logo.
| Price: | $2.7 million |
| Released: | 2014 |
| Materials | 18-carat gold |
| Gemstones: | 6,127 VVS1 diamonds |
| Units Made: | One (bespoke commission) |
| Craftsmanship: | Alexander Amosu |
5. Goldstriker iPhone 3GS Supreme — $3.2 Million
Under Stuart Hughes’ Goldstriker International brand, the iPhone 3GS Supreme is a testament to precision craftsmanship, taking ten months to complete in 2009. Its 271 grams of 22-carat gold form a resplendent chassis, adorned with 136 diamonds on the bezel and 53 on the Apple logo, crowned by a 7.1-carat diamond home button. Housed in a Kashmir gold-lined granite box, this private commission reflects unmatched exclusivity. Goldstriker ceased operations following Hughes’ passing in 2020.
| Price: | $3.2 million |
| Released: | 2009 |
| Materials | 22-carat gold |
| Gemstones: | 189 diamonds, 7.1-carat diamond |
| Units Made: | Private commission, likely one |
| Craftsmanship: | Goldstriker (Stuart Hughes) |
4. Stuart Hughes iPhone 4 Diamond Rose — $8 Million
The iPhone 4 Diamond Rose, crafted by Stuart Hughes in 2010, is a vision in rose gold, encrusted with 500 diamonds totaling 100 carats. Its 7.4-carat pink diamond home button steals the spotlight. Delivered in a granite presentation box, only two units were made.
| Price: | $8 million |
| Released: | 2010 |
| Materials | Rose gold |
| Gemstones: | 500 diamonds (100 carats), 7.4-carat pink diamond |
| Units Made: | Two |
| Craftsmanship: | Stuart Hughes |
3. Stuart Hughes iPhone 4S Elite Gold — $9.4 Million
The iPhone 4S Elite Gold is another Stuart Hughes creation. Encased in 24-carat gold with a rose gold bezel, it boasts over 500 diamonds totaling more than 100 carats, including an 8.6-carat diamond home button (with a spare 7.6-carat diamond). Presented in a platinum chest inlaid with T-Rex bone and rare gemstones, only two units were crafted in 2011, one reportedly acquired by an Australian businesswoman.
| Price: | $9.4 million |
| Released: | 2011 |
| Materials | 24-carat gold, rose gold, platinum |
| Gemstones: | 500+ diamonds (100+ carats), 8.6-carat diamond |
| Units Made: | Two |
| Craftsmanship: | Stuart Hughes |
2. iPhone 5 Black Diamond — $15 Million
The iPhone 5 Black Diamond, crafted by British designer Stuart Hughes, is a dazzling fusion of technology and opulence. Its 24-carat gold chassis sparkles with 600 white diamonds, anchored by a 26-carat black diamond home button. Commissioned by a Hong Kong businessman in 2013, this bespoke creation took nine weeks to complete.
| Price: | $15 million |
| Released: | 2013 |
| Materials | 24-carat gold |
| Gemstones: | 600 white diamonds, 26-carat black diamond |
| Units Made: | One-of-a-kind |
| Craftsmanship: | Stuart Hughes |
1. Falcon Supernova iPhone 6 Pink Diamond — $48.5 Million
Crafted by Falcon, a now-defunct New York design studio known for its audacious customization of smartphones, the Falcon Supernova iPhone 6 Pink Diamond stands unrivaled as the world’s most expensive phone. Launched in 2014, this singular masterpiece boasts a 24-carat gold or platinum chassis, crowned with a rare radiant-cut pink diamond. Variants adorned with orange or blue diamonds fetch $42.5 million and $32.5 million, respectively, but the pink diamond edition remains the pinnacle of extravagance. While Falcon’s website has vanished, and the company likely ceased operations between 2014 and 2017, this phone’s legacy endures as a testament to unrestrained luxury.
| Price: | $48.5 million |
| Released: | 2014 |
| Materials | 24-carat gold or platinum |
| Gemstones: | Radiant-cut pink diamond |
| Units Made: | One-of-a-kind |
| Craftsmanship: | Falcon |
Conclusion: The most expensive phones ever
The world’s most expensive phones, predominantly customized iPhones from the 3G to 6 eras, transcend their technological roots to become symbols of status, artistry, and exclusivity. Crafted with 24-carat gold, platinum, exotic woods, and rare gemstones like pink and black diamonds, these devices are produced in editions often fewer than ten.
Yet, the legacy of luxury technology evolves. While brands like Falcon, Goldstriker, and JSC Ancort have faded, others endure. Vertu, reborn under Vertu AK France, now pioneers Web3 AI phones, blending cutting-edge technology with opulence. Gresso, meanwhile, expands into luxury eyewear, proving that the pursuit of extravagance knows no bounds.
For those who view wealth as a canvas for creativity, these limited-edition phones are not mere devices but mobile masterpieces—each a singular statement of audacious artistry.
Below is the list of the most expensive phones ever produced:
- iPhone 5 Black Diamond — $15 million
- Falcon Supernova iPhone 6 Pink Diamond — $48.5 million
- Stuart Hughes iPhone 4S Elite Gold — $9.4 million
- Stuart Hughes iPhone 4 Diamond Rose — $8 million
- Goldstriker iPhone 3GS Supreme — $3.2 million
- Amosu Call for Diamond iPhone 6 — $2.7 million
- iPhone 3G Kings Button — $2.5 million
- Stuart Hughes iPhone 3GS Supreme Rose — $2.4 million
- Diamond Crypto Smartphone — $1.3 million
- Goldvish Le Million — $1.3 million
- Gresso Luxor Las Vegas Jackpot — $1 million
- Goldvish Revolution — $488,150
- Vertu Signature Cobra — $310,000
