"The sterling can actually hits a sweet spot for me since i've used a can to hold various writing implements for years. I'm nowhere near being ready or able to replace the pear can with the Tiffany's can. But, if all my other needs were met including the need to be generous to others, then I could see the attraction of having an item strictly for the aesthetic appeal. I have always had a deep appreciation for fine cars while never really having a desire to own one myself. I totally appreciate that there are Ferraris, Porches and other high end cars. There's absolutely no "need" for them, but I'm glad someone has sought to build machines like that. "

"Core77's sponsor sells a notebook with the same function as the Walmart notebook but the price, by the standards of the article's title, would be  "horrific". "

"This comment disappoints me. "

"I don't get the disgust. None of these items is on my Christmas list, but I can't imagine that there is not something on your list of wants that wouldn't be at least as frivolous as any of these. Each of these items is made by one or more craftsmen, using precious metal. Any value over the cost of production and marketing is profit. I cannot imagine that the profit margin on these items is any more than the profit margin in an iPhone or cell service or the $6600 i was just quoted for the hearing aids that I need. If the only things any of us purchased were the things that we "need", virtually all industrial designers (and industrial design writers and critics) would be out of a job."