Solid Gold Dumbbells
Moda Operandi sells a pair of solid gold dumbbells for $125,000. (Though they're currently sold out). From their website:
Each dumbbell contains 2kg of 18K gold. So that's 4kg of 18K gold that you'd be buying.
The current market value of 1kg of 18K gold is $29,079.14. So, 4kg of it would be worth $116,316.56. That would represent the base value of the dumbbells -- what you could get if you melted them down. Which means that you'd be paying $8683.44 just for the design of the dumbbells, outside of their gold value.
Hock Design effortlessly combines form and function in these stunning Goldloft dumbbells. Crafted with precision-turned handles of rare Grenadilla wood and 2kg worth of 18k gold per dumbbell, this set is an opulent workout accessory, investment, and truly modern objet d'art for the home.
Each dumbbell contains 2kg of 18K gold. So that's 4kg of 18K gold that you'd be buying.
The current market value of 1kg of 18K gold is $29,079.14. So, 4kg of it would be worth $116,316.56. That would represent the base value of the dumbbells -- what you could get if you melted them down. Which means that you'd be paying $8683.44 just for the design of the dumbbells, outside of their gold value.
Comments
You'll be paying more than $8683, when you see how much they want for S & H, I'll bet. They aren't solid gold, of course.
Posted by Virtual on 08/27/18 at 08:37 AM
As a craftsman, I'm shocked at the idea of creation and the cost of marketing a a percentage of the final price is scoffed at by people who only buy things. Cheap mass produced things. Who do you know wearing Nevada Black Opal in gold jewelry, not an Australian or African one? I mean sure you could have had a couple basic knurled "pure gold" rods even with no wood, but do you think that stuff just appears in that form at your house?
Posted by John on 08/27/18 at 10:12 AM
Those would go well with my kitty handcuffs and fur-lined sink.
Posted by KDP on 08/27/18 at 10:34 AM
I'm surprised they cheaped out on the handles. Grenadilla isn't exactly rare (most clarinets are made of it) and wouldn't be my first choice. imnsho, ebony would have been better -- it's conventionally associated with the finest products, has a nicer feel, and contrasts better with gold. If you wanted to up the stakes a little, African blackwood is a little pricier, Mun ebony is a little more exotic.
I do think you're underestimating the cost of machining gold. Even 18K isn't a breeze to work. It tears like crazy and cleaning the machine before and after has to be meticulous (gold particles smear, affecting ways and building up on coolant pump impellers). It's not as bad as ledloy, but I doubt you'd find a shop capable of turning gold in that size who'd charge less than $200 an hour.
I do think you're underestimating the cost of machining gold. Even 18K isn't a breeze to work. It tears like crazy and cleaning the machine before and after has to be meticulous (gold particles smear, affecting ways and building up on coolant pump impellers). It's not as bad as ledloy, but I doubt you'd find a shop capable of turning gold in that size who'd charge less than $200 an hour.
Posted by Phideaux on 08/27/18 at 10:59 AM
Art over function. It'll be depressing to see how easily these dumbbells become banged up, thereby quickly decreasing the artistic value :(
Posted by Jessica on 08/27/18 at 11:41 AM
Since gold is super heavy, those dumbbells are smaller and easier to store. I guess you could make them sturdier by adding little caps to protect the gold when you use them. Remove the caps to showcase the finish, of course.
Posted by Yudith on 08/27/18 at 04:34 PM
Yudith, depleted uranium is even denser, but I don't think dumbbells made of it would be popular.
Posted by ges on 08/27/18 at 04:45 PM
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Category: Overpriced Merchandise