In the year 2000, the famous gold and silversmith, The House of Buccellati of Italy created a limited edition globe made of sterling silver and 18 karat gold. Each globe weighed 1,407 grams and measured 8.5" tall.
Buccellati limited the edition of this item to only 500 pieces.
There were 2 variations within this edition:
A Sterling silver version with 18k gold accents and blood stone base (all the continents were 18k gold vermeil and the oceans were sterling silver.) The retail price on this piece was $8,000 in year 2000. Roughly 95% of all globes sold were of this design. In today's market these globes in mint condition sell between $6,000- $10,000.
An 18K Vermeil all gold globe with a sterling silver frame and malachite base. Of the 500 piece edition, only around 5% were sold with the all gold. The retail price on this piece was $16,000 in year 2000. It is estimated that only 25 of these were ever manufactured. Due to its limited production, the 18K Vermeil version is now a modern day treasure with an estimate of value in the range between $25,000- $100,000.00. There have been no known comparable sales of any ever being sold by the major auction houses. Probably only the Buccellatis, billionaires and royalty are the only likely owners of these 18K all gold vermeil globes.
Article written by Greg Arbutine on 10-14-24
Very cool piece!