Latest news with #NirmalSethia
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
The most expensive teapot in the world costs $3 million, but does not even serve tea! Read on to know all about THIS luxury piece
Egoist the teapot(Photo: Guinness World Records) Can a mere teapot be more valuable than most luxury cars, yet it never brews a cup of tea for a guest? Made with obsessive attention to detail, this solitaire studded artifact bridges centuries of craftsmanship, goodwill, and cultural homage and holds the title of the most expensive teapot in the world. In 2016, Guinness World Records declared 'The Egoist' as the world's most valuable teapot, with a staggering valuation of up to $3 million. It was commissioned by the N. Sethia Foundation, a UK-based charitable organization founded by British‑Indian philanthropist Nirmal Sethia, and sponsored by his luxury tea company Newby Teas, the teapot was created as an homage to the world's finest teas. Who made this teapot This unique masterpiece was made by Milanese jeweller Fulvio Scavia. Its base is made up of 18‑carat yellow gold and sections of gold-plated genuine silver, giving it a rich and regal foundation, according to the official website of Guiness World Record. The exterior is lavishly adorned with 1,658 brilliant-cut diamonds and 386 rubies, which have been taken from Thailand and Burma, resulting into a bright, dazzling display. At its heart sits a 6.67‑carat Thai ruby, emphasizing the teapot's luxurious aesthetic. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo Egoist the teapot(Photo: Guinness World Records) The handle is made up of Ivory Interestingly, the teapot's handle is made from moulded fossilised mammoth ivory, a prehistoric material that needs to be handled with extra delicacy and precision, as noted by Guinness World Records itself. Sure! Here's a rephrased version of the passage in a simple, easy-to-understand tone while keeping all the key information and quotes intact, Nirmal Sethia build the collection in memory of his wife. According to the Chitra Collection's official website, 'The Chitra Collection is an extraordinary private museum of historic teawares.' Back in 2011, Nirmal Sethia, Chairman of the luxury tea company Newby Teas, began building what he hoped would become the world's greatest collection of tea-related items. His goal was to preserve and celebrate the rich cultural history of tea. Named in memory of his late wife, Chitra, the collection now includes nearly 2,000 items and is considered one of the most complete and finest collections of its kind. The teaware on display comes from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, covering more than 1,000 years of tea history. Tea has been an important aspect in history Egoist the teapot(Photo: Guinness World Records) The website further explains that, 'For centuries, tea played a central role in culture and society as a medicinal and revitalising drink, a focus for hospitality and familial domesticity, and as a symbol of national identity.' It adds that tea has also had a deep impact on history, 'Tea was also politically and economically significant as a source of profit, a tool of empire and as a trigger for revolution, war and slavery. Today, tea is the most ubiquitous of beverages and occupies an important place in the heart of Britain's life and psyche.' All the unique and beautifully crafted teawares in the Chitra Collection highlight how deeply tea has influenced art, culture, and daily life over the past thousand years. Although the collection is currently kept privately in London, there are discussions about eventually opening it to the public for exhibition.
New Paper
05-05-2025
- Business
- New Paper
There's a Newby in town, bringing to Singapore its range of fine tea
Did you know that tea is the second-most consumed beverage in the world, after water? Newby Teas is bringing their award-winning tea products to Singapore at Gen W Lounge at Rangoon Road. Newby offers teas made with the finest leaves from a variety of tea gardens, picked at the right moment to ensure that quality is not compromised. The brand showcases a range of black, green and oolong teas and tisanes, and is the world's most awarded luxury tea brand with more than 100 accolades. Newby is committed to quality, with just 5 per cent of the tea grown worldwide being of a high enough standard for Newby's consideration. Only first- and second-flush leaves, those picked in prime season, are used in Newby products. The company is also a member of the Ethical Tea Partnership, a global organisation committed to improving the lives and environment of tea workers all over the world. Founder and chairman Nirmal Sethia told The Business Times back in 2017 that he set up Newby Teas to instil an appreciation of tea culture in its drinkers. "Every tea company wants to use the media to exploit the innocence of common people. All you hear is the practice of putting milk and sugar into tea, but the moment you do that, tea loses its original character," said Mr Sethia, who is 84 this year. Although he was already 59 when he founded Newby Teas, the British-Indian tycoon was no newbie to the beverage. Mr Sethia dropped out of school at the age of 14 to become a tea apprentice for one of the biggest tea merchants in London, and by 16, he had established his own tea business. But his time as a tea exporter was short-lived, as at the age of 23, he left the tea trade to take over his father's business after his death. When he founded Newby Teas, Mr Sethia gave 49 per cent of the shares to the N. Sethia Foundation, his own UK-registered charity that is heavily involved in the support of education, medical research, cultural activity, disaster relief and social empowerment. Newby Teas' product range extends from loose-leaf cartons and pouches to tea bags and the signature Silken Pyramids. PHOTO: DOORS TO ASIA Now exclusively distributed by Doors to Asia, Newby Teas is served at Gen W Lounge (88 Rangoon Road, #01-02), where it can be paired with vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened delights. It is also available online at Win a box of fine tea In a collaboration between The New Paper and Newby Teas, we are giving away five boxes of 36 premium tea bags each. The box of individually-packed tea bags is valued at $120. For a chance to win a box,
