Diamonds, Rubies, and Ivory: Luxurious Brew

Teapots, believed to have originated in ancient China, were initially simple clay or ceramic containers used for infusing and pouring tea. Over time, they underwent various transformations. However, what might surprise you is that the world's most expensive teapot has a value in crores of rupees, and it was designed by a man of Indian descent.

In 2016, a teapot adorned with diamonds and rubies gained official recognition as the most valuable globally by the Guinness World Records. Named "The Egoist," this opulent teapot was commissioned by the N Sethia Foundation—a charitable organization in the UK founded by Nirmal Sethia, a wealthy businessman of Indian origin. Sethia personally designed the teapot, which was crafted by Italian jeweller Fulvio Scavia and sponsored by Sethia's company, Newby Teas.

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The teapot itself is a masterpiece. Made from 18-carat yellow gold, it boasts 1,658 diamonds and 386 authentic Thai and Burmese rubies. A sizable 6.67-carat ruby graces its centre, while the handle is crafted from fossilized mammoth ivory—an intricate material that requires delicate handling. According to Guinness World Records, this extraordinary teapot holds a staggering value of $3,000,000 (approximately ₹25 crore).

By Ishita Kamra

Sethia's motivation for designing this luxurious teapot was to raise awareness of the cultural significance of tea. Born in Kolkata in 1941, he has been a London resident for over five decades. His fascination with various types of tea led him to establish his own business, Sethia Tea Estates, at the young age of 16. Later, he even acquired a tea plantation in Assam.

However, in 1965, he embarked on a new venture by establishing a company engaged in jute trade. Over time, this organization diversified to include other interests such as banking and real estate. Despite these varied pursuits, Sethia's passion for tea remained unwavering.

At the turn of the millennium, Sethia co-founded Newby Teas with his nephews. Newby Teas gained renown for its high-quality tea sourced from around the world, with a focus on India, China, Japan, and Taiwan. Although the business initially faced losses, Sethia's determination was bolstered by his late wife, who tragically passed away in 2010. Eventually, Newby Tea achieved success.

Following his wife's passing, Sethia established the Chitra Foundation in her honour. This private museum, located in London, is dedicated to preserving historical tea-related artifacts. In 2011, Sethia began acquiring a remarkable collection of tea accessories for the museum. His extensive assortment comprises over 2,000 items, including tea artifacts dating back to the 10th century BC. Notably, the museum houses artifacts from various dynasties, including the Russian Romanov dynasty, Chinese Ming Dynasty, and Song Dynasty. The N Sethia Foundation, which supports various causes, oversees the care and preservation of this rare collection.

What: The Egoist teapot

Price: ₹25 crore approx.

From the August 2024 issue of FHM India.