19 superexpensive iPhone covers you've got to see to believe

By Atelier black sapphire case

This case is constructed from sapphire crystal, which is almost as hard as diamond; it's virtually scratch-resistant (unless you're carrying diamonds in your pockets); and it has a frame of polished stainless steel.

Besides a matching calfskin pouch, the case also comes with one year's worth of complimentary concierge service, i.e., a luxury personal assistant who will attempt to meet your every need.

All this for about $2,000.

Image: By Atelier

Formartti snow leopard case

This case from Taiwan features a snow leopard perched upon a 24-carat gold framework of aluminum and steel, which is surprisingly lightweight, yet durable. It costs $2,469.

Image: Formartti

GRAMAS Meister Ultra Duralumin case

The lightweight Duralumin aluminum alloy is incredibly strong, even with the thin-cut diamond lattice design that allows the Apple icon to shine through. The case, which is made in Japan, comes in four colors: space gray, silver, gold, and rose gold. It costs about $1,400.

Image: GRAMAS

Damaxx Damascus case

Legendary Damascus steel swords were renowned for their strength, their resistance to shattering, and ultra-sharp blades. This solid Damascus case rivals the toughness of titanium, while the steel's distinctive pattern is reminiscent of water. The price is appropriately to "da max": $1,450.

Image: Hoxx Design

Privoro Privacy Guard case

We're not saying you're paranoid, but this two-stage phone case promises to make it harder for snoops to detect you digitally.

A convertible Faraday cage makes you undetectable to Wi-Fi hotspots, Bluetooth RF technologies, and cell towers, and audio jammers make it difficult to listen in on or record you. In addition, a camera blocker prevents pics or video to be taken of you. The price for this peace of mind? Only $999. Pre-order yours here.

Image: Privoro

The Slit

The aluminum alloy slats color-matched to your phone make for an understated design. Japanese company Squair boasts that The Slit "imbues your iPhone with a sense of beauty and gravitas" and even helps to let signal through. Start saving now, because it costs $2,000.

Image: Squair

Hand-stitched steampunk leather cover

Do you long for the days of the Industrial Revolution, or, at least, an alternate reality where people can wear goggles and bustiers to work? Then consider this steampunk-inspired iPhone wallet. The hand-stitched calf leather, adorned with an old-timey clockface and gears, is a labor of love, not machines. Cost: $399.99. Bowler hat not included.

Image: PapyrusCrafts Etsy Shop

Titanium Advent Aurora Edition

This case features gradients of colors, ranging from bronzes to blues and purples, that craftsmen create using a heat treatment process.

And don't be fooled by these lightweight bumpers. If grade-5 titanium is tough enough for the aerospace and Formula 1 industries, it's more than good enough to prevent scratches and warping. This will cost you $700.

Image: Gray International

Antique Dragon Guardian

You shall not pass! Who needs a passcode when this fierce, 24-carat dragon is your phone's sentinel? Formartti's luxury case features an intricately cut design, Swarovski zirconia, and scratch-resistant linings. At only $2,159, this is chump change in any dragon's hoard.

Image: Formartti

Python skin and rattlesnake head case

Need a conversation starter? This case, made from two types of snakes, will break the ice ... if not the skin. (Those fangs!) A genuine rattlesnake head is affixed to a python leather case that is custom-made to your serpentine specifications. Plus, the head doubles as a phone kickstand.

The price? A mere $185.

Image: Exotici Etsy Shop

Karlito in black nappa and fur

Little Karlito, who has all the style of iconic designer Karl Lagerfeld, adorns this lamb leather case. Below his natty black tie is a fluffy body of 100% silver fox fur. "Karl loves Fendi" to the tune of $600.

Image: Fendi

Sturgeon leather case

Sturgeons are fish that have rows of bony armored plates instead of scales, and many of them are harvested for their caviar. For the most exotic fish leather out there, take a look at this sturgeon case that shows off its signature bumpy hide. It's $295 for this custom-made case.

Image: Exotici Etsy Shop

La Mela frozen white gold cover

The showy frozen texture is created by Italian goldsmiths in 18-carat white gold. The cost of this plated case: $354.

Image: La Mela

Titanium Gresso Regal case

Starting at $1,000, only 999 of each of the three models of the sturdy titanium Gresso Regal case will be made. As proof, the insert on the back is stamped with the individual number, which, we suppose, will make the three-plus hours of hand-polishing by a single craftsman worthwhile. Black PVD-coating and a gold insert will run you $500 extra.

Image: Gresso

Element Ronin case

Element's Ronin series calls back to the artistry of the feudal samurai era in Japan. The case, with its wooden side rails, polished alloy crowns, and top-grain leather back plate, make a dignified statement. The Ronin has sold out in many places, but you can still find it at various retailers. It costs approximately $350.

Image: Element Case

Zero Halliburton Case

Available in 18k pink gold, 24k yellow gold, or 950 platinum, Brikk's Lux iPhone case mimics the design of the classic Zero Halliburton suitcases. Plus, a diamond graces the top. It takes $1,695 to make you look like a jet-setter.

Image: Brikk

Millionaire Edition Glimmering Turquiose Hard Shell

Uunique London brings style with this glamorous case of more than 300 Swarovski crystals. Varying hues of gold, white, and turquoise make a fluid swirl motif, and the case comes in its own premium gift box. The price is $760.

Image: Uunique

Color-changing leather case

It changes color with just a touch. TheUnseen claims the transformation occurs through "magick." At $240 -- relatively cheap compared with the rest of this list -- it's still steep enough that we hope there's some real enchantment afoot. It's sold at Selfridges.

Image: The Unseen