Diamond-encrusted iPhone costs US$8 million

We've seen gross displays of wealth before, but this might take the cake. Electronics customizer Stuart Hughes has made the 'Diamond Rose,' which is an iPhone 4 encrusted with 500 diamonds, for a total of 100 karats. Does this count as an engagement ring?

The iPhone 4 is wrapped with a bezel of rose gold and 500 diamonds. The back plate and Apple logo on the back are also done in rose gold, with 53 diamonds on the logo. Finally, the home button is made of platinum, and has a single 7.4ct pink diamond. The package also comes with an 8ct white diamond to replace the pink one.

This slap in the face of recession-weary consumers gets an A for presentation. It comes in a solid block of pink granite, and has a Nubuck leather-lined compartment. Given the price tag, you might not want to take it out of the case very often.

We suppose if this had to happen to a phone, then the iPhone 4 is an appropriate choice. Even so, walking around town with the Diamond Rose is tantamount to wearing a sign that says 'Please rob me' or 'I can't relate to you'. This is probably like most other uber-luxury items: if we don't understand their reasoning, then it obviously wasn't meant for us.

source: Stuart Hughes via IntoMobile