The Most Ridiculously Expensive Grillz in History

Grillz are decorative precious metals that you can snap over your teeth. Today, we see many Hollywood stars rocking grillz that ice out their teeth. However, the practice of wearing precious metals over the teeth actually began with the Etruscans. Not long after, the Mayans followed this practice (around 800 BC and 900 AD), sticking bits of metal over their teeth to signify wealth. But dental grillz’s popularity only rose during the 1970s, when modern people started using gold to replace their missing teeth. This practice was especially prevalent in New York back then, where African Americans from poorer backgrounds invented hip-hop along with wearing dental gold. 

Scientists claim that gold has antimicrobial properties, making them the perfect material for constant wearing inside the mouth. And thanks to the hip-hop industry, this dental necessity soon became a fashion item. Although it’s not clear who was the first Hollywood rap artist who wore grillz in a music video, many fans actually credit Kilo Ali and Raheem the Dream as pioneers of the trend. However, the majority of people claim that it was Slick Rick’s glittery grin during the debut of this 1988 album that changed the course of grillz’ history. Today, celebrities even outside the rap industry can be spotted rocking out iced-out teeth and dental gold from Las Vegas. Let’s go over some of the most expensive grillz and the celebrities that wear them.

6ix9ine

The New York rapper 6ix9ine is famous for wearing colorful grillz. He does not shy away from being eccentric and is proud of his fashion concept, which has evolved impressively since 2014. He usually gets his custom grillz from the highly in-demand jewelry Jimmy Boi. Here are some of the ridiculously fabulous pairs in his collection:

• 6ix9ine Gold Rainbow - This colorful and bright teeth accessory has become synonymous with 6ix9ine as it reflects much of his branding (that and all his tattoos). According to the rapper, rainbow to him is a love story. 
• Shark Rainbow Grillz - This set of grillz is somewhat one-tier above the 6ix9ine Gold Rainbow. It’s just a bit more advanced and intimidating than the previous one, but it’s just as impressive and colorful. They feature rainbow enamels in sharp shapes, making speaking a little tricky for the artist. 
• Vampire Diamond Rainbow Grillz - This is Jimmy Boi’s masterpiece for the artist. It’s one of the most expensive diamond dental accessories the Brooklyn-based rapper has ever paid for, costing him about $150,000. 
• White Gold 18K with 585 Diamonds - First spotted in 6ix9ine’s video clip “GOOBA,” this set of grillz is a work by Johnny Dang Grillz. It features tiny pieces of diamonds that coat the rapper’s teeth, completely icing out his smile to match his sparkly shark bling. 

Pharrell Williams

OG musician Pharrel Williams is one of the hip-hop industry’s game changers. His famous set of grillz is encrusted with 22k gold and various precious stones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies glistening with blue, red, white, and yellow diamonds. The artist commissioned this set from a dynamic father-son duo from the New York-based Gabby Elan Jewelry for a whopping $100,000. 

Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne is one of the biggest names in the rap world and one of the pioneers who popularized the worldwide use of grillz. For as long as he’s been releasing albums, Lil Wayne has been wearing gold mouth sets, normalizing the practice of accessorizing teeth. One of his most iconic sets covers the front of his teeth with tiny diamonds that sparkle brighter than his career. It’s not clear if he had this grillz permanently installed onto his teeth or if he could take them out whenever he likes. But one thing’s for sure: this set cost him a handsome bill of $150,000. 

The Ultra Rare Double Eagle Gold Coin That Sold for a Record of $18.9M

One of America's last gold coins ever struck for circulation was sold for a whopping $18.9M in New York in 2021. According to the person who organized the coin's sale, this extremely rare 1933 "Double Eagle" gold coin is now the most valuable and pricey coin sold at an auction. It was able to beat the previous world record by two-fold. 

The 1933 Gold Double Eagles

The coin features Liberty on one side, while the other depicts an eagle in flight. For legal purposes, the Government gave the coin a face value of $20. The 1933 version of the Double Eagle coin was never put into circulation. The US Government had tried to retrieve all of them for melting down. However, they failed to retrieve all of them. 

Only a small handful was spared from this, and the surviving coins eventually entered the market. So, to recover all of them, the Secret Service declared in 1944 that any of these coins found in collectors' hands would be considered stolen. 

The particular one sold at an auction in 2021 was the only Gold Double Eagle that a civilian could legally possess. However, the freedom to own this specific coin was only a result of a legal battle between the US Treasury and the coin's former owner. Its recent sale was also a considerable step up from the coin's selling price in 2022, when it fetched $7.6M. 

Double Eagle Coins in General

The Gold Double Eagle coin was a staple of American coinage during the 1920s and '30s. It was highly prized for its high gold content (99.9%). But did you know there were other factors involved in its creation? Did you also know that the coins we see today aren't the original version of these coins? 

The Gold Double Eagle began its life as a United States minted silver dime, or dime, a coin with a higher copper content than the copper half dollar that came before it. The higher copper content meant that the coins had a higher face value and were easier to counterfeit. 

History

The Gold Double Eagle Coins were first minted in 1921 and were the brainchild of George Berresford Morgan, a Philadelphia coin manufacturing executive. The coins were designed by Louis Ehlert, a coin engraver and a member of the American Numismatic Society. The team in charge of the coin chose the name "Double Eagle" to reflect their relative value instead of the silver dollar it replaced. The coins first saw circulation in 1923 and were minted in silver and gold. The silver coins were called "Dollars," and the gold coins were called "Eagles." 

While they were prevalent in their original form, the ones we see today are not the original coins. These coins are usually referred to as "old" or "original" coins, but they are not the same coins that saw circulation during the first year of production. Since the coins were designed to be hoarded, they were popular with the wealthy and elite. This meant that the average person did not see them, which is why we have these counterfeits. This also meant that you would see more of them in states where coins are common, which is why there was an impressive amount of Gold Double Eagle coins in Las Vegas.

Why People Invest in Gold Centenario

The Gold Centenario is one of the top reasons why you should invest in gold. It is a well-known fact that the value of a fiat currency like the US Dollar or Euro fluctuates depending on a variety of factors. These fluctuations result in a depreciation or appreciation of that currency's value. For example, when the US Dollar collapses due to factors such as the American Empire collapsing, the value of gold (and other precious metals) will rise as a response to preserve investor confidence in that fiat currency. The same goes for other fiat currencies such as the Canadian Dollar and the British Pound. This article explains why you should invest in gold centenario, and which gold coins are currently most undervalued compared to their respective spot price.

What is a Gold Centenario

First minted in 1921, the Gold Centenario is one of Mexico's gold bullion coins. It was made to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the country's independence from Spain. Most people who own a Gold Centenario know better than to use it for its face value of 50 pesos. This value is assigned only for legal purposes. The coin's value as a bullion coin is worth far more.  

Characteristics

Generally, the Centenario coins weighs 41.67 grams and sits 37mm in diameter. It contains about 1.2 troy ounces of gold, and the best way to describe its composition is 90% gold and 10% copper. 

The coin was designed by a man by the name of Emilio del Moral. Its obverse features the of Winged Victory or El Ángel de la Independencia: "The Angel of Independence." The angel carries a laurel wreath in her right hand, while her left hand holds broken chains. In the background are two of Mexico's famous volcanoes: Popocatepetl and Iztaccíhuatl. On the lower left part of the coin, the year "1821" stands in out relief to commemorate the year of Mexico's independence. To its right is the mintage date of the coin, with 1921 and 1931 being the most valuable ones. 

Meanwhile, the coin's reverse depicts Mexico's coat of arms, featuring the Gold eagle perched on a cactus carrying a rattlesnake in its beak. 

Why Do People Invest in Gold Centenario Coins?

Investors who want to protect their money from inflation should buy assets that are most likely to appreciate in value, such as gold coins. The theory behind this is that as inflation gets closer and closer, the value of money will rise in tandem with the general value of the economy. This is why many investors buy gold coins: they are safe investments that will appreciate in value when inflation is low. 

In addition to this, many people are interested in making a long-term financial planning and investment strategy. For example, if they are able to purchase a large amount of Gold Centenario in Las Vegas at a time, they can save this investment for later use when they are of higher value. This way, they will not have to spend money on storage fees or other maintenance costs when they are sold later on.

Simply put, it provides a good return on investment. With the expected increase in demand from countries like China and India, the price of gold will rise as a result of this growth. This will provide a good amount of income for the investor. 

But the most special thing about Gold Centenario coins is that they carry 20% more gold than other gold bullion coins. In other words, you get more value for your money if you invest them in Gold Centario. Its limited supply also makes them highly coveted, which makes the coin's value go beyond its gold content. 

Impressive Antique Silver Cutlery

Silver has always been one tier below gold. However, that does not mean it is cheap and inexpensive. In fact, there have been claims that silver is rarer than gold. Its bright white luster strongly appeals to collectors and wealthy silver aficionados. There are incredible antique silver items in Las Vegas since its fabulous glam suits the area's lifestyle quite well. And through the years, ornate sterling silverware has become an exciting way to show off one’s financial capabilities and status. 

Brief History

Many tools and coins from ancient civilizations were crafted using silver. Archeologists claim that the earliest silver mines were in Turkey, which was known as Anatolia in the 5th century BC. Also, silver was considered the most potent disinfectant until it was overthrown by penicillin in 1928. Due to its antiseptic properties, silver became the ideal material for crafting the perfect cutlery, plates, and various household items. 

A wide range of factors can influence the value of any antique silver item. Such include age, history, condition, design, and rarity. This is especially true for antique silverware. While most pieces of antique silver end up being melted down into something else, the ones that last through generations gain more monetary value. However, the ones that really tickle most collectors; fancy are those that come from historical origin. 

Great Silver Wine Cistern of Thomas Wentworth

A wine cistern is a traditional tool that Europeans use to help alcohol bottles maintain a cool temperature. And today, the Great Silver Wine Cistern of Thomas Wentworth holds the place as the most expensive English silver cistern acquired at an auction. Crafted between 1706 and 1711, this wine cistern was initially valued at $3.8M. The talented artisan Philip Rollo used the 168 pounds of silver given by Queen Anne of England herself in crafting this remarkable silver piece. The item carries Britannia marks on both of the handles and features intricate details that depict the royal arms and the cipher of Queen Anne. 

Richard and Alice Brackett Silver Cup

This silver cup is valued at almost a million dollars. It was crafted back in 1660 by renowned Boston silversmiths John Hull and Robert Sanderson Sr. The American couple Richard and Alice Brackett acquired ownership of the cup after moving into Boston. They donated the revered cup to the United First Parish Church of Massachusetts before passing away in 1660. Aside from its quality and craftsmanship, what makes the cup particularly special is that it is made purely of rare Pilgrim Century silver. This material set the cup’s price equivalent to $775,750 in today’s money. The Richard and Alic Brackett Silver Cup is currently displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Arts for viewing. 

Germain Soup Tureen 

The skillful silversmith and artisan Thomas Germain specifically handmade this Germain Soup Tureen for French king Louis XV. If you’ve experienced dining with ridiculously expensive silverware, you’re still thousands of dollars away from eating soup from the same bowl as King Louis XV himself did. This notable silver piece is custom-built and one of a kind, making it an extremely rare tureen. A number of silver tureens during the time were melted down to aid the production of weapons or finance wars and battles, including the French Revolution. King Louis XV’s Germain Soup Tureen had a lid that can stand as a beautiful piece of artwork. It features fishes, vegetables, and fowl in intricate details that suit profligate suppers well. In 1996, however, this Germain Soup Tureen was sold for $10M at an auction held by Sotheby’s New York. 

Understanding the Idiom: Born With a Silver Spoon in One's Mouth

The idiom born with a silver spoon in one's mouth is the phrase that first triggered my interest in linguistics. In short, the idiom's meaning changes depending on a case-to-case basis. For example, if you have money to spend (in other words, you are considered wealthy), then it means that someone else has put you in a position of privilege and wealth; therefore, you are living your life with an idyllic existence. 

On the other hand, if you do not have money but live a luxurious and comfortable life due to your inherited wealth, you are seen as trying to be rich. Hence, the term 'silver spoon' refers to the fact that whoever coined it was referring to people living idyllic lives with access to luxury goods and services.

What does a Silver Spoon mean?

First, let's define what a silver spoon is. A silver spoon, especially Las Vegas silver spoons, is a spoon made of precious metal, usually with a minimal alloy of copper and zinc to help the item hold its shape. While most people associate silver with the kitchen, it can also be in flatware, decorative, kitchen and bathroomware, and even medical equipment.

History of the Idiom

The history of the silver spoon goes back as far as the 3rd Century BCE when it was believed that the Greek gods kept dippers made of silver. This is why people today use spoons made of silver for rituals and religious purposes. In the 16th Century, spoons with attached pieces of metal were first manufactured, and the tradition of giving spoons for jobs and achievements continued for a few hundred years after that. 

Although silver is not the most popular metal for making spoons, most silver spoons are made of silver. Interestingly, some silver spoons are, in fact, made of gold.

Examples of the Idiom Born with a Silver Spoon in One's Mouth

There are many famous examples of the idiom "born with a silver spoon in one's mouth," including:

• A silver spoon can be used to dig through the soil or to scratch an itch. If you have a silver spoon in your mouth, you are probably going to use it to scratch an itch or dig through the dirt.
• If you have a silver spoon in your mouth and speak a foreign language, you are likely trying to sound like someone who has a silver spoon in their mouth.
• If you have a silver spoon in your mouth when you are offered a bribe, you are most likely accustomed to receiving bribes and will accept them without question.

How to tell if you have a Silver Spoon in your Mouth?

• If someone refers to you as 'poor' or 'desperate' while you are present, it is a pretty good indicator that you have a silver spoon in your mouth.
• If someone offers to give you money, even for a service, it is a pretty good indicator that you have a silver spoon in your mouth.
• If you have inherited a lot of money, it automatically makes others think you have a silver spoon in your mouth.
• Living in a fancy or luxurious house can also be a pretty good indicator that you have a silver spoon in your mouth.
• Having access to luxury goods and services probably indicates that you have a silver spoon in your mouth.

Difference Between Cast and Poured Silver Bars

Silver bars are exactly what the name suggests - bars made up entirely of silver. They are a form of silver bullion that wealthy people can invest their money on. If you have proper storage for it, silver bars from Las Vegas can be an excellent way to protect the value of your money against inflation. There are other silver bullion items you can invest in, but silver bars seem to be the most popular one, succeeding silver coins. With silver bars, you have two options: cast bars and poured bars. But what is the difference between a poured silver bar and a cast silver bar? That is a question that is asked often.

Poured Silver Bar

A poured silver bar is made by pouring molten or liquid silver into a mold. During this process, the mold determines the nature of the bar. When making poured silver bars, the hot metal is poured into open graphite or other heat-resistant molds. The metal is left to cool there. Because of this, the silver that is exposed to the open face of the mold will demonstrate cooling lines or striations. 

 

The practice of pouring and turning liquified precious metals into bars and ingots has been around for hundreds of years. This practice involves a simple process that anyone can learn, especially if one has access to hot and consistent fire and some sturdy tools. However, this process is very traditional and can take a long time. In addition, due to its lengthy procedure, it's more applicable for larger silver bars than smaller bars weighing less than a hundred ounces.

Cast Silver Bar

Also known as pressed bars, cast silver bars are obtained through casting sterling silver into molds or forms. However, these molds or forms do not have open faces like those used to cast poured bars. Casting is often used to make silver and gold jewelry and silver art pieces as a result of this method. A closed mold is usually used, so pour lines are not usually seen.

Unlike pouring silver bars, the process of casting silver bars is more suited for manufacturing silver bars in smaller weights. It's also a more recent practice, so recent that it involves technological advancements comparable to how mints produce coins. 

The Comeback of Silver Jewelry in Las Vegas 2022

Silver jewelry in Las Vegas has long been a staple of the fine jewelry market. It is especially popular for wedding and engagement rings, earrings, and necklaces. However, these pieces are typically quite small in size and scope. That's because silver as a material has waned in popularity over the last few decades. However, that's all about to change by 2022. The Comeback of Silver Jewelry forecast places the value of this industry at $3 billion by this year, with a strong return on investment during the same time period. Let's take a closer look at why we are seeing such demand for silver jewelry once again and what it means for you as an investor and consumer.

Why Is Silver Jewelry Making a Comeback?

The silver market saw a strong resurgence in the 1990s, peaking in 1996. That year, the silver jewelry industry realized $4.9 billion in total sales. However, over the next few decades, that number steadily declined. It's not entirely clear why this happened, but it's likely due to a combination of factors. First, the jewelry market as a whole has declined since the 1990s, so the drop in silver jewelry sales can likely be attributed to that alone. However, the rise of more affordable, synthetic materials like cubic zirconia and moissanite may also have played a role.

What Types of Jewelry Will Benefit From This Comeback?

As the value of silver increases, it will become more cost-effective to use in jewelry. That will allow silver jewelry to recapture some of its former popularity and bring it back into the mainstream. There is now a high possibility of a resurgence in the use of silver in a number of different jewelry types. Specifically, silver earrings are likely to benefit most from this rising popularity. Silver bracelets, necklaces, and rings will also likely increase in demand.

What to Look for When Investing in Silver Jewelry

When investing in silver jewelry, you will want to find a piece that is both affordable and high-quality. You can research to find graphs that determine the premium on the silver used in your jewelry. By comparing the difference in silver prices from one month to the next, you can get an idea of how the cost of the metal is trending. You will also want to get a highly durable piece. Silver can tarnish over time, especially in Las Vegas weather; you'll want to look for jewelry made with high-grade tarnish-resistant material.

Pros and Cons of Investing in Silver Jewelry

Pros: Silver jewelry has an obvious appeal to many investors. People are naturally drawn to this shiny and beautiful material. Plus, it can be used in different ways: as jewelry, as a table centerpiece, or even to make a fancy frame for an artwork. This wide range of potential uses makes silver an attractive investment for just about anyone. Silver is also a relatively easy metal to work with, making it ideal for jewelry designers. Because of this, you can expect to see a wide variety of silver jewelry come to market as the industry continues to grow. 

Cons: The main drawback to investing in silver jewelry is that it can be costly to make. This is especially true for larger pieces, which require more silver. This can make investing in silver jewelry cost-prohibitive for smaller retailers.

Conclusion

Silver jewelry will make a strong comeback in the coming years, especially in Las Vegas. This valuable commodity will likely increase in price over the next few years, making it more affordable to use in jewelry. While silver jewelry will likely never be as popular as gold, it is likely to become a popular material once again, thanks to its affordability and the wide variety of designs it can be used in.