HisDarkMaterials.org

In recognition of Japan's upcoming premiere of The Golden Compass, Japanese jeweler, Tanaka Kikinzoku, revealed a one-year seven person project: a genuine 18-carat gold replica alethiometer.

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The magical compass in the blockbuster fantasy film "The Golden Compass" has taken real shape, with a Japanese jeweller unveiling a 30-million-yen (281,400-dollar) version made of gold. Tanaka Kikinzoku unveiled the compass made of 18-carat gold to promote the film starring Nicole Kidman and James Bond actor Daniel Craig.

The compass, which measures 8.3 centimetres (3.36 inches) in diametre and has the same design as the one used in the film, weighs 900 grammes (31.5 ounces).

It was made over one year by seven veteran craftsmen and inscribed with delicate letters and numbers, the jeweller said, adding that the compass would be displayed at the movie's Japan premiere later this month.

The company said it had no plans to sell the compass, which was worth 30 million yen.

In the movie, an orphan sets off on a journey with a magical compass of gold to save her best friend. The movie is an adaptation of "The Northern Lights," the first book in British author Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" fantasy trilogy.

14 comments - Add yours

#1

Yes I totally posted this because it’s *awesome* Now that’s why Pullman decided on gold rather than brass.

# February 6, 2008 23:05 by Phit

#2 I want one....

I want it! Valentine’s Day is coming up - should I drop a hint to my hubby??

I’ll wait until it comes down in price after they make thousands of them (ha ha).

# February 6, 2008 23:56 by vlmecc

#3

That is beyond hot! I hope they make replicas down the line.. would be a nice collectors item.

# February 7, 2008 01:40 by fuzz

#4

That is absolutely *beautiful*.

# February 7, 2008 14:46 by rainbowdarling

#5

O.O thats awesome. I want one!

# February 7, 2008 23:57 by JoeSchmo

#6

How will this impact the sequels?

# February 8, 2008 02:32 by consciousparticles

#7

Promotion in Japan, the last place The Golden Compass has yet to open - we’re likely to hear more on the thereafter...thereafter.

# February 8, 2008 05:15 by Phit

#8

Ah
I could do with one of those.
Exams and everything.

# February 9, 2008 00:19 by Why_did_it_end?

#9

That. Is. Awesome. I really want one! Is there any news yet on those other replica ones made out of some other type of metal that were like $200?

# February 9, 2008 15:10 by Lyra Fan

#10

Nothing new on the Noble Collection alethiometers and spy-flies. Still set at shipping date of the end of April, still same price, still same photos, still no new details. Hopefully soon we’ll be able to at least say a bit more on construction!

# February 9, 2008 15:50 by Phit