Updated by Laura | 19th March 2020
The function of the basic lighter has changed very little since its first release, nearly 100 years ago. Out of the billions of lighters sold every year, only a handful stand out as collector’s items. But they really earned this status! Read on to discover more about the most beautiful, luxurious lighters.
Faberge Yellow Enamel Lighter
Faberge Yellow Enamel Lighter
The very rare Faberge Yellow Enamel Lighter oozes elegance and glamour. Handmade by Vladimir Soloviev in the early 1900s, it’s one of the most famous lighters in the world and a collector’s dream piece. A simple design and subtle detail of fine yellow sparkles is what makes this lighter all the more special. The spring-hinged lid and neat rounded corners add to the finesse of this piece making it elegant and timeless. When it sold for €50,900 in 2011 it became one of the most expensive lighters ever sold.
S.T. Dupont Ligne 2 Champagne
S.T. Dupont Ligne 2 Champagne
The S.T. Dupont Ligne 2 Champagne lighter is currently the world’s most expensive lighter that is not an antique. This lighter, which is produced and made by the Parisian luxury brand, comes in four different colours, priced at €63,700 each. S.T. Dupont has a number of high-profile fans (including James Bond) and with 18K white gold and 462 diamonds in each lighter, the high price tag is impressive but not surprising.
Fabergé Imperial Table Lighter
Fabergé Imperial Table Lighter
The Fabergé Imperial table lighter was sold at auction for an incredible €106,250 in 2012. It is a symbol of Russian art and beauty. The lighter depicts a monkey with a silver collar holding his tail in his right hand. Upon opening the monkey, a lighter liquid reservoir is unveiled and its tail acts as an outlet. This handmade piece was created in the early 1900s and remains very much sought after today.
Silver and Jadeite Ashtray and Lighter
Silver and Jadeite Ashtray and Lighter
Here we are at the most expensive lighter in the world. The Silver and Jadeite Ashtray and Lighter is an exquisite piece and is considered by many to be the most admired and recognised lighter in the world. Its elegant design and the fact that it is both an ashtray and a lighter makes it both a functional piece and a work of art. This world renowned lighter was sold for an astounding €197,300 at auction in 2011 and still holds the crown as the most expensive lighter in the world to date.
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