How To Choose Luxury Chess Sets

The practice of playing chess started as an exercise of strategy for kings in the Indian subcontinent. Due to the royal palaces where the game grew for centuries, luxurious chess sets based on rich tastes and innovations of the participants were commonly featured in such places. However, with the game becoming popular in various layers of the society, developers started to come up with plain, cost-efficient models aimed at the commoner. Among the classic designs of chess sets, the Staunton chess sets are the commonly found because of the easily distinguishable pieces and other styles finding place only in the closets of chess connoisseurs.



Because of the early origins of the game, there have been numerous luxurious chess sets developed based on an amazing range of materials in various styles. Of all the materials used for creating chess sets, marble is the most pleasing to the eyes. Due to the visually appealing, polished look and the ability to exhibit a wide range of colors, marble designs can dazzle viewers with their beauty. While they are not as brilliant as marble, chess sets based on alabaster are known to produce a similar effect on people.



Another good option for creating a chess set is glass. Transparent as well as shaded glass can create an everlasting effect with their characteristic glow. Unusual options like bronze and other metals can be considered for creating a vintage feel.



If you intend to pick among styles, you will be overwhelmed by the sheer multitude of available styles and their features. Every style has a story to tell. The currently popular Staunton chess pieces were created by Nathaniel Cook who was apparently inspired by the famous chess master of his time, Howard Staunton. On the other hand, the Regency chess pieces owe their name to the high profile players who frequently gathered at a cafe. Antique masterpieces like the Lewis Chessmen were created using Walrus ivory and whale teeth. These designs are symbols of the age when they were created and are treasured as historical specimens by people interested in antiquity and usually come at a high price.



The method of design too differs among various styles of chess sets. The pieces of a Staunton chess set are based on Neoclassical architectural style and the minute details of the pieces are derived from the elements of Victorian era like the queen's coronet or the king's crown. In contrast, the Regency chess set is very class specific. The pieces in this chess set grow taller with their position. Hence, the pawn stands short whereas the king stands above all.



Chess pieces decorated with rare stones and gems were a common sight among emperors and knights of the past. But, plain design is the style of the present generation. Hence, possessing a chess set created in an outdated yet appealing way can help you make a long lasting impression on people and also speak volumes about your penchant for finesse.