Diamond Skull

You may have heard of this one: "For the Love of God," a diamond-covered skull by British artist Damien Hirst. The skull, likely that of a 35-year-old European/Mediterranean man from about 1720-1810, was covered with 32 platinum plates and then set with 8,601 VVS to flawless white and black diamonds (the black diamonds are set in the eye sockets for dramatic value). Rumor has it that the skull belonged to a monk.

The total weight of the pavé-set diamonds is 1,106.18 carats. The teeth inserted into the jaw are real, and belong to the original skull. As source of inspiration for covering a skull with diamonds, Hirst reportedly thought to himself, "what can you pit against death?"

The skull cost an estimated $15 to $18.8 million to make, and was sold to a consortium of anonymous buyers that included Hirst himself.