Estate Diamond Jewelry is so excited to announce that we have broken the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ for the most valuable dreidel in the world, valued at $70,000.
Why We Created the Dreidel?
Estate Diamond Jewelry has dedicated over four decades to curating significant jewelry and unique vintage engagement rings. Presently, we boast one of the most exceptional collections of vintage engagement rings globally. Our deep passion for history was a driving force behind the inception of our company, and it fueled our determination to craft this dreidel.
The meaningful message of Chanukah (also known as Hanukkah) has consistently held a special place in our hearts. With a deep appreciation for charming vintage jewelry, we have continually sought out significant antique dreidels to enhance our collection.
Before beginning this project, a new idea sparked our creativity – we aspired to fashion our dream dreidel, drawing inspiration from the artistic designs found in the vintage jewelry within our collection.
Little did we anticipate just how enjoyable and fulfilling this journey would turn out to be.
The Inspiration Behind the Design
Before meticulously crafting this dreidel, we sifted through hundreds of dreidel designs. Many contemporary artistic variations seemed to deviate from the “classic dreidel design,” prompting us to take on the challenge of discovering our own design inspiration.
Our vision was to feature symmetrical and balanced lines, reminiscent of the Art Deco Era, as the predominant design element. The indented edges of the faces, sharp diagonal lines of the pavilion, and the straight top all echo the strong themes of the Art Deco Era. Drawing significant inspiration from the nearby Chrysler Building, an iconic Art Deco masterpiece just blocks away from our showroom, our final design pays homage to this revered architectural gem.
The diamond-encrusted script of the Hebrew characters (Nun, Gimmel, Hey, and Shin) exudes formality and mirrors the Hebrew characters found in the Torah Scroll, differing from the characters typically used in traditional modern Hebrew writing.
Notably, the bottom of the dreidel features a rounded bezel (as opposed to a squared bezel) to elevate the prominence of the 4.20-carat diamond set within.
Achieving the Guinness World Records Title
As of November 27th, 2019, our dreidel was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the most valuable dreidel in the world.
“It has been a very high honor receiving this title. It has been one of our greatest accomplishments.” – Afshin Shaddaie of Estate Diamond Jewelry.
Guinness World Records recognized the uniqueness of our dreidel project and dispatched a dedicated crew to capture and document its fascinating story. Collaborating with the Guinness World Records team was an immensely enjoyable experience for us. We found their professionalism and enthusiasm truly remarkable.
The involvement of Guinness World Records not only added a prestigious layer to our endeavor but also allowed us to share our passion for the dreidel with a global audience. Their commitment to showcasing extraordinary achievements aligns seamlessly with our dedication to creating a one-of-a-kind dreidel that pays homage to history and craftsmanship.
The crew’s attention to detail and genuine interest in our creative journey made the filming process both enjoyable and insightful. We appreciate Guinness World Records for their invaluable contribution to immortalizing the making of our dreidel, and we look forward to sharing this extraordinary accomplishment with the world.
Click here to view the official record title on the Guinness World Records website.
The History of Chanukah
The narrative of Chanukah unfolds more than 2,200 years in the past when Israel was under the dominion of the Syrian Greeks. During this period, the ruling power sought to impose Greek culture and beliefs upon the People of Israel, discouraging mitzvah observance and belief in God.
In response, a resilient faction of Jews, led by Yehudah (Judah) the Maccabee, rose against the Greeks and successfully expelled them from the Land of Israel. The Maccabees not only triumphed in battle but also reclaimed the desecrated Holy Temple in Jerusalem. This sacred site, which had suffered extensive damage, was rededicated to the service of God.
A pivotal moment in this historical account occurred when the Maccabees endeavored to kindle the Temple’s Menorah. To their astonishment, they discovered only a solitary jug of olive oil that had remained uncontaminated by the Greeks. In a miraculous turn of events, the menorah was lit, and the meager one-day supply of oil miraculously endured for a remarkable eight days. This miraculous event became a symbol of divine intervention and resilience, celebrated annually during the festival of Chanukah.
Click here to learn more about Chanukah and how to celebrate it.
What is a Dreidel?
The classic Chanukah dreidel harks back to an era when Israel was under the dominion of King Antiochus’s Greek armies, prior to their defeat by the Maccabees. During this oppressive period, the ruling regime enacted laws that prohibited the study of the Torah, compelling Jewish scholars and students to carry out their learning in clandestine settings.
In response to these restrictions, Jewish children sought refuge in remote areas and forests to continue their Torah studies discreetly. Legend has it that if a patrol of Greek soldiers happened upon them, the children would swiftly produce the dreidel and feign involvement in a game, concealing their true educational pursuits. The dreidel, thus, became a clever and symbolic tool for preserving Jewish learning and traditions in the face of adversity.
The Rules:
The guidelines for playing Dreidel are straightforward. Each participant contributes one unit to the center. The initial player spins the Dreidel, and the outcome, determined by the side facing up, dictates their next action.
- Nun – Nothing. You don’t add a unit, and you take nothing from the pot.
- Gimmel – You get to take the whole pot!
- Hey – You get to take half of the pot. Leave the odd item there.
- Shin – You put another unit into the pot.
How to Celebrate Chanukah?
Chanukah is celebrated in many different ways. This year (2023), the first night of Chanukah will begin on the evening of Thursday, Dec 7, and the eighth day will be on Friday, Dec 8.
Here are some of the ways to celebrate Chanukah:
- Most Famous: Light the Menorah on each night of Chanukah (and say the blessings). On the first night, you’ll light one candle. Each subsequent night, you’ll add one more candle. On the eighth night, you’ll be lighting all eight candles. Click here to learn how to light the Menorah.
- Play the Dreidel. Click here to learn the rules.
- Give gifts of money (gelt) to friends and family. Don’t forget to give 10% of that gift to charity.
- It is customary to eat food that is made with oil (like latkes and donuts)
- Join a Chanukah Party
Fun Trivia about Our Dreidel
There are so many elements that make this dreidel special. Here are some of the more noteworthy pieces of trivia.
- Our journey to craft and hand-build this dreidel commenced in early August 2019 and reached completion after nearly four months of meticulous work.
- At its foundation, the dreidel boasts a remarkable 4.20-carat round brilliant-cut diamond, distinguished by its high quality and accompanied by a GIA certificate denoting M Color and VS2 Clarity.
- Enhancing its elegance, we intricately embedded two hundred and twenty-two round brilliant diamonds into the Hebrew letters adorning the faces of the dreidel.
- This unique creation surpasses the dimensions of conventional commercially available dreidels, standing tall at 10.8cm above the ground. The body of the dreidel is meticulously fashioned from 18k yellow gold, while the letters are crafted with precision using 18k white gold.
- Drawing inspiration from the iconic Chrysler Building in New York, located just a few blocks away from the Estate Diamond Jewelry Showroom, the design of the dreidel mirrors the architectural grandeur and artistic elements of this revered landmark.
If you have any questions about our dreidel (or you want more pictures), please feel free to contact us.
