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What do you give the zillionaire on your list? To help you solve this holiday dilemma, we searched the world for truly superfluous but wonderful things. How about a $36,000 replica of a chess set with gold and silver-plated pieces modeled from the hands of Ringo Starr, ordered by fellow Beatle George Harrison from the jeweler Asprey in 1973? It's for sale at Takashimaya in Tokyo.
Beijing
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There was a time when being rich might have gotten you a jail term in China. But now the country's new rich can flaunt their wealth like Texans. Italy's Lamborghini was among the luxury carmakers that jostled for attention at the 2006 International Automotive Exhibition in Beijing. The model at left is leaning against the Gallardo, the "entry-level" Lamborghini at about $175,000.
Shanghai
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China's new rich were introduced to lots of Western luxuries at the 2006 Top Marques exhibition in Shanghai on Oct. 11, 2006. Here, visitors test a handmade bed from Swedish maker Hastens, priced at 720,000 yuan, or about $91,000. China now ranks as the third-largest consumer of luxury goods in the world, behind Japan and the U.S.
London
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Generations of wealthy Londoners have rid themselves of stacks of cash in the shops on elegant Bond Street. At left, the Bentley & Skinner store stands ready for holiday shoppers on Nov. 23, 2006. The firm specializes in fine antique jewelry. Queen Victoria was a client.
London
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A pearl and diamond bauble is displayed in a window of the Chanel store on Bond Street in London on Nov. 23, 2006.
London
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Shoppers who have financial tycoons on their gift lists might stop by Pink, maker of shirts for the buttoned-down set. This branch is strategically located in London's financial district, where traders expect a record 19 billion pounds (about $37.3 billion) in bonuses in 2006, a 16 percent increase from last year.
London
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The British luxury carmaker Bentley has a new model this year, the Bentley Continental GTC, shown at the British International Motor Show in London on July 18, 2006. The base model is priced at about $190,000.
London
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Selfridges department store boasts that it sells London's most expensive sandwich, a concoction of Wagyu beef with foie gras, black truffle mayonnaise, brie de meaux, English plum tomatoes and red pepper and mustard confit. The sandwich costs 85.50 pounds, or about $168.
Hollywood
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Judith Leiber's tiny jeweled creations have long been the handbag of choice for rich ladies all dressed up. Dolly Parton got one to match her pink gown for the 78th Annual Academy Awards on March 5, 2006.
Hollywood
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Californians now have their very own Baccarat store, so they can swill their overpriced water from the finest crystal. Drinks were served in the house glassware at the grand opening of the Baccarat boutique at the South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, Calif., on Oct. 19, 2006.
Hollywood
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Rich people still in a snit because they didn't get invited to the Emmys can duplicate some or all of the swag that celebrities scooped up at the event. This pearl necklace by Pearl Paradise was among the gifts given to presenters and performers at the 58th Annual Primetime Emmys on Aug. 27, 2006.
Hollywood
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A thriving pet pampering industry in Los Angeles offers that city's most fortunate dogs life's essentials, and maybe a level of luxury otherwise reserved for Hollywood stars. The Pet Bakery is pictured in West Hollywood on Aug. 14, 2006.
Hollywood
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For the ladies of Hollywood, the excruciatingly uncomfortable high heel of choice is made by British shoemaker Jimmy Choo. Here, actress Elizabeth Banks steps out for the New York premiere of Disney's "Invincible" on Aug. 23, 2006.
Paris
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Prices for haute couture dresses can reach $30,000 or more. At left, a model shows a ball gown by French designer Christian Lacroix during the Fall/Winter 2006-07 Haute Couture collections in Paris on July 6, 2006.
Paris
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Queen Elizabeth II is among the really rich people who get their scarves from the Parisian luxury firm Hermes. Here, a model wears a scarf by Hermes on the runway during the Spring-Summer 2007 men collections, July 2, 2006.
