QRay Ionized 24Karat Gold Deluxe --Prototype -- Q-Ray Rare Prototype -- We Ship International! Start Price USD 169.99 Current Price USD 169.99 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, November 05, 2008 End Time Friday, December 05, 2008 Location Roselle, IL See more about 'QRay Ionized 24Karat Gold Deluxe --Prototype -- Q-Ray' Description STOP!  THERE IS NOT A REGULAR GOLD DELUXE!  This Bracelet IS ACTUALLY A Q-Ray PROTOTYPE   Rare Q-Ray Prototypes: This protoype was produced by the QT Inc. Engineering Department in late 2005, and was divested when the company changed ownership at the end of 2007.  The bracelet you see here was designed to replace the Gold Deluxe but, largely because of cost considerations, was never put into production.  While the existing Q-Ray Gold Deluxe is a mixture of 14K and 18K plating, this Gold Deluxe Prototype is plated in full 24K.  Though its difficult to tell from the picture, this prototype is a number of shades lighter than the existing Gold Deluxe (on account of the higher percentage of gold).  The result is a bracelet that looks a lot less like costum jewelry and much more like the elegant piece it was intended to be. In our humble opinion, this is perhaps the nicest Q-Ray ever made.  It is truly a shame this never replaced the existing Gold Deluxe, but we're proud to offer you the few we have.    If you've never seen a 24K Gold Deluxe Q-Ray, you're not the only one.  Only about 9 of them were ever produced and none of them have ever been released to the public...until now.  If you're new to the Q-Ray Brand, chances are this prototype is not for you.  If this is your first Q-Ray, stay with something simple and less expensive like a Silver Deluxe.  But if you're a Q-Ray aficionado like we are, this is your chance to own a piece of the Q-Ray story while also having the distinction of a truly unique and stylish collector's item.    The Story Behind These Prototypes: Note:  We have withheld names for the sake of privacy.   In 2005, the Q-Ray organization (QT Inc.) was seeking to diversify their product offering.  Besieged by the Federal Trade Commission, and constrained by the judgment of a tyrannical and myopic owner, a grass-roots effort began among the company executives to expand the product line beyond the introduction of German product.  The thought was to take the existing Spanish bracelets and tailor them to specific market niches rather than develop an entirely new bracelet with all the risks it entailed.  (Developing new bracelets is difficult.  Despite claims made to the contrary, not all metals will react to Ionization equally.  Shape, composition, and density all influence the process of Ionization and great expense is required to ensure the new bracelet will function as effectively as the old.)  Among the new Spanish bracelets produced was the 24 Karat Gold Deluxe.  Unlike the other prototypes listed on our Ebay Store (stores.ebay.com/ionliving), this product was intended not so much to broaden the line but to improve the existing line.  From its very inception, many within Q-Ray were not happy with the Gold Deluxe.  Though commanding a relatively high price, the combination of 14K on the band and 18K on the terminals made the bracelet look a little too much like custom jewelry for many people.  This product was created as a solution.  But it was expensive to produce, and sales of the existing Gold Deluxe remained brisk.  Consequently, despite its superior finish the 24K version of the Q-Ray Gold Deluxe was never put into mass production.  A Note About Condition Being prototypes, many of these bracelets are not perfect.  And as we auction them off in the coming weeks, we will take great care in explaining the merits of each before you ever place a bid.  Watch these pages so you are sure you know what you’re getting.  Condition of this Prototype The bracelet depicted in this listing is among the best of the lot.  There is a single tiny imperfection on the inside of the band – a machine mark left-over from the plating process.  This mark cannot be seen at all when the bracelet is worn, and is barely visible even when it’s off. Both personal experience and initial development studies suggest that the gold plating holds up well at least as well as the mass produced Gold Deluxe.     There have been no reports of allergic reaction.  All Q-Ray 24K Gold Deluxe Prototypes come in size medium and large only.     Ordering Guidelines for this Product *  All Prototypes are shipped in Q-Ray Gift Boxes.  *  We offer a Limited 14 Day Guarantee for the Prototypes.  This Guarantee is designed exclusively so you can check the authenticity and condition of the bracelet for yourself.    If you wish to return this bracelet, you MUST call or email us for a Return Authorization PRIOR to mailing the bracelet.  Bracelets returned without a Return Authorization will be ineligible for this guarantee.   *  This is extremely limited and valuable stock.  All returns MUST be in saleable condition.  *  Shipment Insurance is required for this product.  Place a Bid!