Interested In A FootBall Urn?

Vienna's leading funeral company, steeped in tradition, is moving with the times: the bereaved can have their loved one back in a cremation urn in the shape of a football, from AP via Yahoo News.


The black and white urn joins more conservative containers in sombre and art-deco designs in the range offered by Bestattung Wien just as Austria prepares to co-host the Euro 2008 soccer championship.

"We are doing this as it is European Championship year," said Wittigo Keller, curator of the funeral company's museum. No one has yet ordered the 362 euro (281.57 pounds) urn, which has been available for two weeks. Maybe they should market more to soccer enthusiasts?

Jewelry For Your Mr. Or Ms. Right This Valentine's Day? Make Sure They Say "I Love You"

From Forbes.com's Jewelry that says "I love you" here are some luxurious pieces that might just be right for your Mr. or Ms. Right this Valentine's day. Whether you're looking at getting him/her a ring/ watch or bangles, bangles & bracelets or colored stones. These gems are sure to brighten up your loved-ones Valentine's Day.


Simon G Vanity Fair Ring for $4,750

Despite rising gold prices, yellow and rose gold baubles are back in style. The Vanity Fair ring by Simon G combines white, rose and yellow gold accents with white and canary yellow diamonds. Pricey, yes, but it's versatile; pair with jeans and a white shirt on the weekend or with a silky gown to a black tie event.

For more information, visit www.simongjewelry.com.






Ballon Bleu Cartier Watch (Prices available upon request)

The 18-karat white gold and diamond Cartier Ballon Bleu watch combines masculinity and femininity in one extravagant timepiece. Curved on top and bottom, the case is designed to fit naturally and sit lightly on the wrist. The winding mechanism is decorated with a sapphire cabochon, around which the dial orbits. This blue gem is protected by a metal arch.

For more information, visit www.cartier.com.




Francis Mertens Tanzanite and Diamond Cuffs ($495,000--sold as a pair)

These Francis Mertens titanium tanzanite and diamond cuffs will bring a sparkle to your loved ones' eyes. While they feature 69 total carats of diamonds and 15 carats of tanzanite, you're also paying here for craftsmanship; they took four months to make.

For more information, visit www.francismertens.com.







Harry Winston Pink Diamond Ring (Prices available upon request)

Want to make a statement? There's likely no more gorgeous a gift than this 5.96-carat, cushion-cut, fancy, pink diamond ring set with trapezoid-shaped diamonds in 18-karat rose gold and platinum.

For more information, visit www.harrywinston.com.


(images and descriptions care of Forbes.com)

Swarovski Fashion Rocks Headset

As lifted from Forbes.com's Style Gadgets is probably one of the most extravagant headsets you could find... the Swarovski Fashion Rocks Headset, estimated at $1,963

Luxe gadgetry knows no bounds, as shown by Swarovski's exclusive "Fashion Rocks" 2007 jewelry collection. Released in October, these compact, folding headphones, completely encrusted in amethyst crystals, come with a single-sided, specialized cord for low-loss conductivity and a stereo unimatch plug.

For more information, visit http://www.blogger.com/www.swarovskisparkles.com.

Party In These Hesler Pumps

While looking through Forbes Fashionable Gifts For the Luxury Lover, I noticed that most items didn't really stand out to me. Most of them looked rather gray and boring... and oh yes... expensive too. The list included a handmade suit for men, a fringe scarf, cashmere gloves, merino wool, a rather extravagant Devi Kroell Large Crystal And Wooden Clutch, a Prada wallet, cashmere cardigan, Brooks Brothers Muskrat Trapper and a wool parka.

I only found one item that is worth having. And these are Rupert Sanderson Hesler Pumps for $575. They're just divine fuchsia metallic leather open-toe pumps with a cone-shaped heel that gives the shoe a vintage flavor without sacrificing modern appeal. Available at www.net-a-porter.com.