Five hot luxury phones

If you're going to ask about the price, step away. The following handsets are for your eyes, or pocket. But if class and exclusivity are what you're willing to pay a price for, that's what these handsets epitomize. Think astronomical stickers, sapphire crystal, titanium, carbon fiber, precious stones and not-so-ordinary citizens.

While Vertu used to be the dominant player in this market, makers such as GoldVish, Gresso, Mobiado and even Tag Heuer have since made it around. If "economic crisis" and "budget" are not in your dictionary, these five drool-inducing showpieces will set you on the high path.

Motorola Aura

Price: From US$2,000
When Motorola announced the premium AURA last October, it took industry watchers by surprise. Part of the reason was the then unfolding economic crisis, compounded by the company's bleeding market share and external competition. That said, the Aura is still impressive in its own right, with a brilliant circular display, beautifully etched designs and precision engineering associated with luxury timepieces. Pity, though, that the user interface is a bit of a letdown. Then again, it's all about being unique.
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Nokia 8800 Sirocco Gold

Price: From US$1,058
If previous iterations of the 8800 Siroccos didn't ring your number, the Finnish outfit has upped the luxury quotient with an 18-carat gold Sirocco Gold edition. That's real bling, even if it's just plated and even if some of us prefer to wear our gold. Like it or not, this is one piece of understated elegance that's bound to turn heads.
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Nokia 8800 Arte series

Price: From US$1,191
Nokia has three luxury models under the 8800 umbrella. Two of them Siroccos, while the latest additions--8800 Arte, Sapphire Arte and Carbon Arte--continue the extravagant tradition of using exotic materials for construction. The innards remain largely similar with only minor differences in the specifications, but we know you aren't too concerned with such details. The classic Arte is the most elegant of the trio with its glossy black chassis, simply pure class.
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Tag Heuer Meridiist

Price: From US$4,795
Like the Motorola AURA, the Meridiist, produced by ModeLabs, also has its roots in timepieces. Coming from Tag Heuer, the company which has been bringing us sports watches and chronographs since 1860, we won't expect any less. The damage to the wallet is similar to a Vertu, though it doesn't put a Tag Heuer concierge at your whim and fancy 24/7. Bummer.
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Vertu Constellation

Price: From US$4,462
The Vertu, as we all know, isn't for everyone. The last time we had three of the ridiculously priced handsets in our Labs, we spent sleepless nights worrying about misplacing them. It's probably among the most affordable of the Very phones, but still looks and feels like a million dollars.
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