Top 2 Most Expensive Chess Sets In the World

Over nearly 50 years in chess, we’ve seen many exotic chess sets. Yet it’s a distinct honor to present to you the most expensive chess set in the world:

 

Made from solid 18k white gold, inset with more than 500 carats of diamonds, royal blue sapphires and South Sea Pearls, the Pearl Royale Chess Set is valued at $4,000,000.

Fine diamonds and precious metals alone don’t yield multiple eight-figures. Let’s see the breathtaking artistry of the world’s two most expensive chess sets to understand what makes them treasures for real life kings and queens.

#2 - Game of Kings Chess Set – Est. $3 Million USD

Let’s begin with the second most valuable set we have found.

Taking two years to patiently craft, the Game of Kings Chess Set weighs more than a ton and contains more than 110 pounds of silver. It comes so close to topping the charts of the world’s most expensive chess set.

Image 1 of Game of Kings Chess

Inspired by ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations, this work of art has been exhibited for a number of years at museums and gallery exhibitions.

Not so long ago it was at the exposition of Mexican art Frida Khalo and Deigo Rivera in Moscow.

Weighing over 2400 pounds, one must see it in person to appreciate the sheer magnitude of this chess set table.

The silver finishing was completed by the renowned Carlos & Albert Studio, Mexico. This work of art took 2 years of manual labor by renowned artists from around the world. The artist and graphic designer for this magnificent chess set is from Russia.

The obsidian carving itself was done by top craftsmen from Teotihuacan, Mexico.

The Kings are made of black and red obsidian, respectively, and finished with 925 silver, 22k gold vermeil, and turquoise. Dimensions: 450mm height, 150mm depth, 150mm width, 5 kg weight.

Image of black and red kings

The Queens are made of black and red obsidian, 925 silver, and 22k gold vermeil. Dimensions: 420mm height, 150mm depth, 150mm width, 5kg weight.

Image of black queens

The Bishops are hunters, and also made of obsidian, 925 silver, and 22k gold vermeil. Dimensions: 350mm height, 150mm depth, 150mm width, 5kg weight.

Image of bishop hunter

The Knights are jaguars, and are made of red and black obsidian, finished with 925 silver 925, 22k gold vermeil 22k, and 2 karat rubies 2 x 0. Dimensions: 250mm height, 150mm depth, 150mm width, 4.5kg weight.

Image of Knight jaguar chess piece

The Rook, modeled after Tlaloc, the Aztec rain god, is also red and black obsidian, 925 silver, and 22k gold vermeil. Dimensions: 380mm height, 150mm depth, 150mm width. 6.2 kg

Image of Rook tlaloc chess piece

Aztecs were known for being very skilled with the bow and arrow. Thus, the Pawns are archers, made of red and black obsidian, 925 silver, and 22k gold vermeil. Dimensions: 200mm height, 150mm depth,150 mm width, 1.5 kg weight.

Image of Pawn archer chess pieces

The gods of the Mayans were often depicted as having similar attributes to the jaguar. Each corner of this beautiful chess table has a Jaguar head made of 925 Silver, and two 12 mm diameter HT emeralds. Dimensions: 160 mm height, 160 mm depth, 140 mm width, 4.2 kg weight.

Image of jaguar head on chess table

Nearly 10 tons of obsidian was used to carve ornate pieces and create the stunning chess table. Remarkably, it was necessary to comb through 100 tons of obsidian to select enough stone meeting their stringent standards for excellence.

Image of Game of Kings chess table

 

The Game of Kings has been on exhibition at museums and galleries. If you would like more photos or have interest in acquiring the set, reach out to Chess House for a possible introduction to the seller.

#1 - Pearl Royale Chess Set – $4 Million USD

The Pearle Royal is the Bugatti of chess sets currently holding the distinction of being the world’s most expensive chess set.

The chess set was designed and created by Australian jewelry maker, Colin Burn. Just three will be made in total.

Mr. Burn creates “genuine alchemy by turning natural objects into gold with a secretive forming process he invented.” The Pearl Royale is better than gold.

Image 2 of Pearl Royale chess set

As a young child, Burns regularly played chess with his cousins, so his parents gave him a beautiful Staunton chess set which he really loved.

Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s he was exposed to Hollywood movies of epic battles and it was popular for kids to have collections of toy soldiers. This made chess a popular game, embodying a similar spirit and challenge he saw in the epic battles.

Image of Colin Burn


Thinking back on those fun times Burns found himself drawn to the idea of creating the most beautiful chess set in the world. He finally embarked on this project in 2008, with his first drawings.

He was already engaged in creative work with unmatched South Sea pearls, so naturally they became the inspiration.

Image of diamond gold queen


It was also important to Burns for the design to be inspired by the Staunton 1849 set of championship origins. Burns wanted the beautiful set to fit a royal standard with regal adornment. That is why the world’s most beautiful diamonds and rich blue sapphires sit upon both the king and queen.

Colin Burn’s dream has been fulfilled – creating the world’s finest chess set.

image of bottom of opulent chess set

Crafted in solid 18k white gold and pave’ set with over 510 carats of GIA® certified diamonds. The heads are made of South Sea pearls and the King and Queen are accented with AAA Ceylon Blue sapphires.


For more stunning visuals of the Pearl Royal Chess Set, see this presentation by Colin Burn.


If you’d like to see it up close and in person, it is currently in exhibition in the USA, by appointment:
ACCA Gallery
468 North Camden Drive, 2nd Floor
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

View our selection of luxury chess pieces