‘World’s most expensive’ picture frame estimated worth over $2 million

By Brelaun Douglas via SWNS

This diamond-studded picture frame is estimated to be worth over $2 million (£1.5million).

Created by British artist Debbie Wingham, 39, the frame features over 10,000 diamonds.

Known for creating the “world’s most expensive” items, Debbie’s latest work is a mini-series encapsulating Dubai, her favorite city.

“The last time I painted I was a teenager. During lockdown was the perfect time for me to pick up a brush again and really immerse myself in this medium,” she said.

“Time seemed like a very relatable topic, especially because throughout the pandemic time is the one thing that hit us, whether it's counting down the moments to see our loved ones or one day melting into another without differentiation.

“Then the other element I introduced was Dubai, I guess because I couldn’t travel due to the pandemic so instead, I traveled through my artwork.”

After a two-year hiatus, Debbie revealed the collection featuring three frames. Each frame showcases her paintings paying homage to Dubai’s transformation through time: past, present and future.

Named Dubai 'Through the Years,' the oil paintings feature Dubai architecture, including the Frame, the Burj Khalifa and the current contender for the world’s tallest building Dubai Creek Tower.

Each frame stands at five feet tall, weighs 19 lb (9 kg) and are hand-crafted from reclaimed metal and styled after a super-sized vintage pocket watch.

While each frame is dripping with diamonds, the one holding the Burj Khalifa painting has the most.

It is also the only frame to have a silhouette with Roman numerals.

“It’s a true celebration of Dubai, here and now,” Debbie said.

It features over 10,000 individual diamonds, as well as a centerpiece of 5 4-carat white diamonds- worth $342,020 (£250,000) each- adorning the roman numerals and a 41 lb (19kg) 7-carat sapphire worth $136,808 (£100,000).

The frame is made from both reclaimed diamonds and reclaimed metal, while the painting was hand finished with platinum dust, giving it a reflective shimmer effect.

Combined, the entire collection- frames and paintings- took about a year to complete.

Debbie estimates the frame is worth a staggering $2 million (£1.5million).

Coined the Queen of the “World’s Most Expensive,” and famed for her high-value creations, Debbie’s work has been sought after by celebrities, royals and art aficionados.

In 2019, she revealed the “world’s most expensive Christmas tree” estimated at over $17 million (£12.5 million) and an upcycled purse worth $6 million (£5million).