It all began in the late '90s - when Frank Nuovo the then chief designer for Nokia decided to take advantage of the fact that cell phones were being perceived as the new social symbols for class, personality and style. Building on an idea that already existed in concept - Nuovo introduced the luxury phone and slowly but steadily, a quiet revolution in the world of communications began to take place. Varied inspirations saw the speedy launch of the Signature, Ascent and the Constellation, all one after another over a period of four years, each boasting of more advanced features than the last.

Picture yourself sitting in a Ferrari or a Porsche, driving down a long winding country road and you get an idea of the power that the Vertu Ascent brings with it. With fast and clean lines, these handsets were built to reflect the finest in automotive technology. The special edition Racetrack series has immortalised the legendary racetracks like Monza and Silverstone, while the Azure was created to reflect the romantic setting of Tuscany and Monte Carlo. Born from an obsession to create a personal communication device, Vertu has deployed craftsmanship and technology in a way that has never been achieved before.

Pulling up to your corporate high-rise building in your sleek Rolls Royce is the best way to describe the essence of the Signature line. A stainless steel bezel, fine leather sides, sapphire crystals made the 18-K gold key Vertu Signature the first of its kind. Stunningly beautiful, entirely assembled by hand, it goes through 96 rigorous inspections before being put in the hands of a customer. Its liquid metal alloy case (stronger than space grade titanium) makes it practically indestructible - even after being run over by a sports car. Anderson and Ryan leather (found normally in luxury Rolls Royce cars) is used for casing and is supported by silicone moldings in the corner to protect it from everyday wear and tear. Surgical grade steel protects the finely constructed engine that is made up of over 480 individual components while the handset's key is supported by at least one jewelled ruby bearing. The conflicting hardness of the ruby and the softness of each key makes this phone a truly sensual, tactile experience for the user.