The world's most valuable Christmas tree

A glittering Christmas tree made of 18-carat gold and touted as the world's most valuable is set to go on display at a Chicago jewellery store.

The tree, which will be exhibited at Steve Quick Jewellers in Chicago, weighs four pounds and measures seven inches in height.

Crafted of gold, it also contains around 200 carats of diamonds, as well as a 4.52-carat diamond set in a star at the top of the tree.

Some two years went into the conception and creation of the tree, which took around six months to complete using a casting process involving wax to ensure the tree looked as realistic as possible.

The jeweller created the tree in partnership with the American Cancer Society. Shortly before Christmas, it will be auctioned on eBay with all proceeds to benefit the national cancer research and advocacy association.