Not A 'Black Friday' Deal: World's Most Expensive Doorbell Goes On Sale At Unbelievable Price
David Phelan Senior Contributor
I write about lifestyle tech
The Ring Crown Jewel Edition Video Doorbell safely behind security glass.
Today, in London, a video doorbell went on sale. It's made by Ring, manufacturer of several models of video doorbell which let you see who's at your door. They are advanced pieces of electronics, capable of providing you with a video contact to your front door while you're out, and peace of mind wherever you are.
Ring has a range of smart home security gadgets, but this particular one is different. I've seen it in the flesh, well, through security glass at least, and it's the most remarkable-looking doorbell I've ever clapped eyes on.
The Ring Crown Jewel Edition Video Doorbell showing the brand picked out in diamonds.
It's the balance of gold and blue stones that leap out at you first, as they gleam in the light. And that's before you even spot the glinting brand name 'Ring' picked out in what looks like diamonds. And, actually? They are diamonds.
So, the other thing that might catch your eye is the price tag: $100,000. That's not a typo - but don't worry, it's in aid of charity.
You might be wondering exactly what you get for your money.
Well, it's a doorbell, so that's a start. And it has the Ring 1080P HD video camera on it so that when somebody rings it, you can see who's at the door. A microphone and speakers built in mean you can listen to and talk back to your visitor.
This is the same as on other Ring doorbells and has always been useful for saying 'Pop my parcel behind the flower pot' or 'Leave it with my neighbor'. With this model, presumably, it's also handy for passing on messages like 'Oh, at last, that means my new tiara has arrived. Do be a dear and tuck it under the passenger seat in that sweet little helicopter parked just to your left. It'll be quite safe there.'
The Ring Crown Jewel Edition Video Doorbell - as it might look if you mount it on your black marble... [+] door frame.
It has motion-activated alerts, too, so if a would-be intruder is loitering with intent at your front door then a) you'll know about it and b) how did they get past your electrified fence?
The camera can see in the dark, too.
The special edition Ring is worth its weight in, well, several precious metals, actually. It includes 33.20 carat in sapphires, 0.56 carats of diamonds and 98.05g of yellow gold. The device's faceplate is cast in 18K yellow gold, with over 2,000 sapphires and 40 diamonds intricately set into the surface.
Well, as you can see, the cost soon adds up.
It's been designed by the international fine jewellery specialist Bijan.
The Ring Crown Jewel Edition Video Doorbell - number one of ten.
The doorbell, on sale now at the upmarket Selfridges department store in central London, is a very limited edition, just 10 have been made. Exclusive, then.
Most importantly of all, the proceeds from the sales will be donated to UK charities supporting the reformation of former criminals as they re-enter society.
Although it's only been on display for a matter of hours, there has apparently already been strong interest, with potential buyers queuing up.
You can only see it instore in the Smartech department at Selfridges, but, really, if you can really afford the price tag then a First-Class flight to London is hardly an impediment, surely.
'Black Friday' 2017 Best Apple Watch, Fitbit And Other Wearables Deals: Walmart, Target, Best Buy
Week In Wearables: More Black Friday Bargain Wearables, Nokia's Latest, Apple Watch Sales
Panasonic's New Lumix G9 Super-Fast Wildlife-Friendly Camera: Hands-On Review
Ten Things Nobody Has Told You About The Apple iPhone X
David Phelan
I've been writing about technology for two decades and am regularly struck by how the sector swings from startling innovation to persistent repetitiveness. My areas of