When the world scrambled for basic PPE, the ultra-wealthy turned face masks into status symbols—$1.5 million diamond-encrusted respirators, 24k gold-woven silk, and couture-grade designer pieces that cost more than a luxury car. These weren’t just protective gear; they were bold statements of exclusivity, craftsmanship, and pandemic-era opulence.
From Middle Eastern royalty flaunting jeweled masks to designers like Gucci and Off-White cashing in on haute couture PPE, we reveal the most extravagant face coverings ever created—and why they’re still coveted today.
1. The “Masters of Light” Diamond Mask – $1.5 Million
History & Significance
Crafted by Israeli jewelry designer Yvel, this 18k white gold and diamond-encrusted mask made headlines in 2020 as the world’s most expensive face covering. Designed for a Chinese billionaire, it features 3,600 white and black diamonds (50 carats total) with N99 filtration.
Price & Rarity
- Cost: $1.5 million (custom order)
- Why So Expensive?
- Handset diamonds in a geometric lace-like pattern
- Adjustable, hypoallergenic silk straps
- Only one ever made (bespoke commission)
Where to Find Similar
- Yvel’s private jewelry commissions (Tel Aviv boutique)
- Sotheby’s Dubai (luxury pandemic-era collectibles)
2. The Gucci “GG” Gold-Threaded Silk Mask – $3,800
History & Significance
At the height of the pandemic, Gucci released a limited-edition silk face mask woven with 24k gold threads and the brand’s iconic GG monogram. Worn by celebrities like Kylie Jenner, it became a street-style sensation.
Price & Rarity
- Cost: $3,800 (sold out instantly)
- Why So Expensive?
- Breathable, antimicrobial silk with gold infusion
- Packaged in a custom Gucci monogram box
- Only 500 produced (now a collector’s item)
Where to Find Similar
- Resale platforms (StockX, Farfetch – prices now up to $6,000)
- Gucci VIP pre-releases (sign up for exclusives)
3. The Off-White™ “Industrial” Transparent Mask – $2,500
History & Significance
Virgil Abloh’s Off-White™ redefined pandemic fashion with this futuristic, transparent PVC mask featuring the brand’s signature “Industrial Belt” straps. A hypebeast grail, it sold out in under 10 minutes.
Price & Rarity
- Cost: $2,500
- Why So Expensive?
- Medical-grade plastic with adjustable straps
- Cult following (worn by Travis Scott, Rihanna)
- Discontinued after Abloh’s passing (now a memorial piece)
Where to Find Similar
- Grailed, Stadium Goods (limited resale listings)
- Off-White™ archival drops (via LN-CC)
4. The BVLGARI “Save The Children” Gem Mask – $1,000 (Sold for Charity)
History & Significance
Italian jeweler BVLGARI partnered with Save The Children to create this silk-chiffon mask adorned with gold-plated logo charms. Each sale funded COVID relief efforts, making it a philanthropic flex.
Price & Rarity
- Cost: $1,000 (100% donated)
- Why So Expensive?
- Double-layered silk with Swarovski crystals
- Signed by BVLGARI’s CEO (certificate included)
- Only 500 made (sold via private client list)
Where to Find Similar
- BVLGARI charity auctions (check Christie’s)
- Luxury consignment (The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective)
5. The Jacob & Co. “Face Shield” – $600K (Diamond-Studded Armor)
History & Significance
New York jeweler Jacob & Co. took PPE to absurd heights with this 18k white gold face shield, paved with 200 carats of diamonds. More red carpet statement than practical protection, it was worn by Floyd Mayweather.
Price & Rarity
- Cost: $600,000 (custom order)
- Why So Expensive?
- Diamond-encrusted frame with anti-fog glass
- Takes 800 hours to craft
- Only 3 exist (all privately owned)
Where to Find Similar
- Jacob & Co. bespoke commissions (by invitation)
- Dubai luxury jewelers (custom high-end PPE)
Conclusion: Pandemic Flexing at Its Most Extreme
These million-dollar masks prove that even in a global crisis, luxury knows no limits. Whether diamond-armored shields or gold-infused silk, these pieces are now collectible artifacts of 2020 excess.
