Barack Obama to buy rare £20,000 rhodium ring for his wife to say 'thanks for your support'
By MAIL FOREIGN SERVICE
Last updated at 11:58 AM on 02nd December 2008

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Michelle Obama is to receive this £20,000 thank you from her husband for her support during the election.

The Harmony ring is made of rhodium - the world's most expensive metal --and encrusted with diamonds. It is being hastily made by Italian designer Giovanni Bosco in time for January's inauguration ceremony.

Only about 25 tons of rhodium are mined each year, mostly in South Africa, and as a result its price is typically around £5,000 an ounce.

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Diamond encrusted thanks: Barack Obama will buy his wife this £20,000 ring made of black gold or rhodium

Bosco is based at Valenza Po near Alessandria. The top designer counts a select list of VIPS's and celebrities as his clients.

Rhodium typically sells for around £5000 an ounce.


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It is a very select precious metal. Because of its value and association with wealth, rhodium was chosen as the material for the disc presented to Beatle Paul McCartney for being history's all-time best-selling songwriter and recording artist.

Several luxury items such as the world's 'Most Expensive Pen' or 'Most Expensive Board Game' also contain rhodium while the Crown Jewels worn by the Queen are also rhodium plated.

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