Teapot

ARTIST / MAKER: NK Sethia (designer)
Scavia (maker)
DATE: 2016 (made)
PLACE: Italy (made)
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES: Carved fossilised mammoth ivory, brilliant-cut diamonds and circular-cut rubies, gold mounts and gold-plated silver
COLLECTION NUMBER: 1342

Designed by Mr Sethia in 2016, the Egoist teapot is officially certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s most valuable teapot. It is entirely paved in 1,658 white diamonds and 386 rubies, with a central 6.67 carat ruby which once formed part of his late wife Chitra’s jewellery collection. Surrounded by gold rays, the ruby resembles a resplendent sun which symbolises Surya, the Hindu sun god. The diamonds were handpicked and set on the body in four different sizes to create a gradient effect and highlight the teapot’s perfectly spherical body. The teapot’s name refers to its small size – designed to brew just enough tea for one cup – and the precious materials chosen to adorn its surface.