Sotheby’s Geneva is auctioning a one-off bike decorated in gold leaf and set with a 2.03-carat round brilliant-cut Fancy Brown-Yellow diamond at the top of its steering tube, according to IDEX Online.
The bike, which has an opening bid for $67,000 in an online auction ending May 18, is called the Colnago Gioiello Numero 1 and was made by Italian racing brand Colnago “to mark the 106th Giro D’Italia, the three-week 2,142-mile road race” that ends on the same day. The company also made 49 other carbon fiber Colnago Gioiello C68 bikes with the gold leaf – but without the diamond.
According to Sotheby’s, “the Gioiello’s frame is carefully enveloped entirely in gold leaf, expertly applied by skilled Colnago artisans, resulting in the shimmering and regal aesthetic. Each delicate application of gold leaf contributes to the uniqueness of every Gioiello. The round, brilliant-cut 2-carat diamond, shining in a Fancy Brown-Yellow Colour plays with the hues of the surrounding gold making this true art piece the ultimate luxury item.”
