A Stunning Diamond Can Appear in Many Places, Some More Notable than Others.

Obviously, one of the most common places you will see a beautiful diamond is mounted upon a dazzling engagement ring. However, most would agree, men and women alike, that the stunning diamond encrusted Fantasy bras created by Victoria’s Secret are each a sight that is not quickly forgotten.

Raising the Bar

Since 1996, Victoria’s Secret has brought out a new jaw-dropping Fantasy Bra every year, each one even more magnificent than the one before. These one-of-a-kind, extortionately-expensive undergarments are made by a different jeweller each year exclusively for Victoria’s Secret. The bras are always elaborate creations of exquisite diamonds, rubies and sapphires, and many have featured world-famous gemstones.

The Red Hot Fantasy bra, designed by Mouawad in 2000, holds the record for the world’s most expensive bra ever created. Valued at nearly £9 million, this stunning diamond and ruby encrusted design was made up of over 1,300 gemstones, including more than 300 carats worth of Thai rubies.In 2005, the Mouawad Splendour, a massive 101k pear drop diamond, was the hanging centre piece of the Sexy Splendour fantasy bra. This delicate diamond creation was valued at more than £7 million and took over 300 hours of handcrafted work. The 2,900 pave set diamonds, 22 rubies and the magnificent Mouawad Splendour diamond were all set in 18k white gold.

Economists and market watchers subscribing to George Taylor’s economic prediction theories from the 1920s have been paying keen attention the Fantasy bras for years. From a purely academic point-of-view, the bras may well confirm Taylor’s ‘hemline theory’ which suggests that women wear short skirts in good economic times and longer ones in bad times. Consequently the steadily-rising price tag on these bejewelled bras has inspired hope that the days of the recession, when they were valued at a mere £1.5 million, are beginning to be behind us.

Works of Art

Each bra is individually designed and made each year by hand. The way in which the precious gemstones and jewels are crafted into these exquisite pieces allows them to be regarded as pieces of art in themselves. It is a sad fact that after the show is done and the model has relinquished her stunning diamond studded undergarment, they have never been sold but, in fact, are dismantled and returned to their jeweller creators.

So whether Victoria’s Secret Fantasy bras are the concrete economic markers of our time that some believe them to be or simply the ultimate eye-candy ever created is up for debate. Either way, it is unlikely that a more dazzling and exquisite use for a stunning diamond and thousands of other gemstones will be found in one place.

Frank L Orman is the founder of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose the best and the most unique designers in a series of luxury industries. Starting with their favourite UK engagement ring designers, F&L Designer Guides will lead you through the journey to find and commission that perfect ring.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.