video transcript

It's the ultimate in office bling. A piece of modern day technology inspired by a 16th century French King. Its creator George Chirita took his inspiration for the gold-plated computers from Louis XVI. (SOUNDBITE) (French) CREATOR GEORGES CHIRITA SAYING: "It was about creating a computer which was much more stylish, in harmony and concorde with the interior design, but in the end I realised the computer had become a pretext to create a real decorative object to enhance our surroundings." It may look pretty but it's not just for show. (SOUNDBITE) (French) CREATOR GEORGES CHIRITA SAYING: "You've got to use the latest high-tech innovations, in terms of the electronic components to build a computer like this, and we also use classic French styles which are timeless." Chirita counts European royalty amongst his customers as well as wealthy individuals from China and the Middle East. He even sent Britain's Queen Elizabeth a gold plated USB stick as a gift on her Diamond Jubilee. But with a price tag of 17,000 euros you may need to be royal to afford it. Hayley Platt, Reuters