For the Love of Gawdy

HEAD FULL O' ROCKS Hirst

Shark-stewing bug collector Damien Hirst released pics of his life-size platinum skull today in London. It's encrusted with 8,601 diamonds—1,106.18 carats—and cost $20 million to make. Titled "For the Love of God," it's expected to sell for around $100 million, Bloomberg reports (via Towleroad)—a price Hirst says is justified to prohibit speculators from snatching it up and flipping it for even more. The director of exhibitions for the White Cube Gallery, where the piece will be displayed, says a couple of billionaire types are already interested. This one's going to be a bit harder to replicate cheaply than a pickled shark, but you could always Bedazzle your own bones from Skulls Unlimited for a grand total of $618.95, plus tax and shipping.

Bigger pics after the jump ...