$8 million iPhone: The ultimate geek chic

An $8 million iPhone? Well, it makes the monthly payments not seem so bad.

British jeweler Stuart Hughes likes to bring glittering facets to the cutting edge. Known for bejeweling many of the latest gadgets, Mr. Hughes has unveiled his latest work: A diamond-encrusted iPhone 4. The price: 5 million pounds, or about $8 million. IPhone 4s, of course, usually cost just $199 and $299, plus another $2,000 or so by the end of your two-year service contract.

The jeweler brags that this special edition is "the world’s most expensive phone.... The bezel is handmade from rose with approx 500 individual flawless diamonds which total over 100ct. The rear section is formed using rose gold with the added touch of its rose gold Apple logo and 53 diamonds. The main navigation is made from platinum which holds a single cut 7.4ct pink diamond."

If such a smartphone sounds within your price range, have you considered these other toys of the super rich: The $95 million mega yacht, a room in Dubai's twirling tower, or a stay at this refrigerated beach?

For everyone else, here's a quick guide to picking out (affordable) smartphones.