Cigar News: XIKAR And Jacob & Co. Collaborate on Xi Dueling Dragons Chasing Flaming Pearl

Quality Importers Trading Co. (parent company of Xikar) and Jacob & Co. have collaborated on a new cutter: the XIKAR Xi Dueling Dragons Chasing Flaming Pearl. This is the first in a series of ultra-exclusive, ultra-luxury bespoke cigar accessories and retails for $150,000.

Dueling Dragons Chasing Flaming Pearl is inspired by an Asian legend hundreds of years old. Two dragons chasing a mystical flaming pearl, the design features dueling dragons, representations of good, often attributed with traits such as power, strength and achievement, in pursuit of a mystical flaming pearl. While the origin of the flaming pearl is a mystery, it is considered a symbol of luck, wisdom and prosperity. This folkloric tale has often been a source of inspiration in the arts, as seen on architectural designs in Surabaya, Indonesia, the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, and even in Los Angeles, California in the USA. Treasured works from Japan, Korea, and China in the decorative arts collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City prominently feature illustrations of dragons chasing the elusive flaming pearl on objets d'art such as 17th century medallions, badges and ceramics, 18th century snuff bottles and even rare 13th century to early Ming dynasty helmets, decorated with damascened strips of gold.

“When we purchased the Xikar brand, the first idea I had was to design a ‘museum piece,'” said Michael Giordano, Founder and CEO of Quality Importers. “Something that would not only be a first of its kind in all aspects for Xikar, but also for the accessories market itself. When I mentioned the idea to Jimmy Miudo, our VP of Marketing at Quality Importers, the idea was quickly developed, and became what we see before us now. It really is a stunning one-of-a-kind piece. The team at Jacob and Co. loved our idea and was instrumental in turning our concept into reality. We're looking forward to building upon this partnership with them.”

“We are always open to exceptional opportunities to apply our expertise to different luxury segments, with the very best partners,” said Jacob Arabo, Founder and Chairman of Jacob & Co. “When Quality Importers approached us with the idea, we were intrigued. We are very active in the Chinese market and have many watches that feature dragons, so the design of the dragons and the flaming pearl was ideal for us. This is just the start of the relationship and I'm excited about the incredible products we can create together.”

This one-of-a-kind cigar cutter is handmade by Jacob and Co. in New York City. It is based on the standard XIKAR Xi. The cutter's 18K gold body and blade handles were painstakingly pavé set by hand with 1,940 lustrous red rubies (22.50 cts) on the front and back of the instrument. Ingeniously mounted onto the fully-functioning handles, which hold the precision steel blades, are two ruby-eyed 18K yellow gold dragons impeccably detailed with arms outstretched to clutch the cherished prize, the large flame-engulfed pearl at the cutter's apex. The finished work is substantial in both its presence and physical mass, weighing 169g (just under half a pound). The recommended price for the cutter is $149,500. Quality Importers and Jacob & Co. plan to offer a series of bespoke XIKAR Xi cigar cutters, made-to-order utilizing the finest quality gemstones, diamonds and the best craftsmanship in the world.

Jacob & Co. was founded by Jacob Arabo in 1986, Jacob & Co. creates revolutionary timepieces and exquisite jewelry that have captivated celebrities and notables from the watchmaking world and dazzled on fashion's red carpets and cover shoots. With a unique talent for creating designs that are as innovative as they are spectacular, the company has grown into one of the most recognized luxury brands in timepieces and jewelry. At the heart of the company is the passion, drive and creative force of Mr. Arabo. With a respect for traditional craftsmanship and artistry and an ability to envision and realize exquisite jewelry and unique timepieces, he makes the truly extraordinary a reality through the alchemy of edge and elegance.