The $1.5M Face Mask Buyer Had 3 Demands For Diamond-Encrusted Covering

Face masks are a requirement for the foreseeable future, so lots of people are having fun with them, adding their own stickers, embroidery and…diamonds? Yes, an Israeli jeweler is raising the bar on for the face mask fashion game with a white gold mask that includes 3,600 diamonds.

Designer Isaac Levy, owner of the Yvel company, made the high-end mask at the request of a customer, who had three conditions for the mask:

The mask needed to have real protection, utilizing N99 filters that meet both FDA requirements and European standards.
The mask needed to be finished before the deadline of Dec. 31.
It must be the most expensive face mask in the world.

“This recent creation by Yvel is an entirely functional N-99 coronavirus protective mask, designed from 18k white gold encrusted with no less than 3,600 natural diamonds, valued at $1.5 million,” the Israeli company shared on Facebook. “We are always willing to take on new challenges and this work of art proves it!”

Though it’s wearable, it’s pretty hefty. According to AP, it weighs just over half a pound. An unnamed Chinese businessman commissioned the expensive face mask, and he supposedly plans on actually wearing it.

Levy did not judge his customer for ordering such an extravagant piece while so many are economically suffering right now. The designer noted that the commission is helping his team stay afloat at a time when many aren’t in the market for new jewels.

“I am happy that this mask gave us enough work for our employees to be able to provide their jobs in very challenging times like these times right now,” he said.

Face coverings are recommended by the CDC to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which spreads through respiratory droplets from the nose and mouth. Face masks must cover the nose and mouth, and the CDC notes that old bandanas, t-shirts, and scarves can easily be made into face coverings. Diamonds are optional.