BlackBerry Torch 9800 Gets Decked Out in 18 Carat Solid Gold—Only $13,000

I admit it; I’m a sucker for ridiculously expensive, gaudy-gold BlackBerrys, diamond-encrusted iPhones and other geeky gadgets constructed of metals and rocks so precious just looking at them makes my wallet quiver. (Check out a full slide show I assembled about the world’s most expensive and unique BlackBerrys.)

Of course, I’d never actually buy one of these monstrosities, even if I had cash to burn. But that doesn’t mean I can’t spotlight the latest and greatest in luxury smartphones, right?

Today I bring you the first images of U.K. designer Alexander Amosu’s 18 carat solid gold BlackBerry Torch 9800, which was originally created for an unnamed “international super model in the United States.”

The BlackBerry Torch is one of the two hottest BlackBerrys on the market today, along with Research In Motion’s (RIM) BlackBerry Bold 9780 smartphone. (Read my full review of the BlackBerry Torch.) And for a mere 8,000 pounds—or roughly US $12,735—you can now purchase a custom Torch in yellow, rose and/or pink gold. You can also apparently add your favorite type of diamond to the mix, as well, though it’s unclear how exactly that would affect the price.

From Alexander Amosu:

“The mid frame [comes] in 18 carat solid gold and weighs approximately 38gms whilst [sic] the other parts are in metallic gold colour [sic]…. The handset comes with an international concierge service and a “golden number” allowing you to choose from a series or sequence of unique mobile numbers.”

So the entire device isn’t made of solid gold, only the “mid-frame” or bezel around the keyboard section of the Torch…I think. It’s unclear how exactly one might obtain this “golden number” as well, since you’d presumably have to set up the phone number and service plan through a wireless carrier. But for $13,000, I don’t doubt Amosu’s ability to speed up that process for you.

The “Torch d’Or” comes with its own personalized, numbered and matching python- or crocodile-skin gold-colored case. (Check out more Amosu luxury smartphone cases here.) Oh, and if you’re just a wee bit short on that $13,000 price tag, Amosu will also accept some gold you currently own to melt down and use in your new Torch, for a truly custom piece of smartphone/jewelry/excessiveness.

Wondering who actually buys or uses these absurdly priced gadgets? Why Will.i.am-types, of course.

Visit Alexander Amosu’s website for additional details or to buy your very own solid gold BlackBerry Torch 9800.

AS

Al Sacco covers Mobile and Wireless for CIO.com. Follow Al on Twitter @ASacco. Follow everything from CIO.com on Twitter @CIOonline. Email Al at ASacco@CIO.com.