The centrepiece of artist Damien Hirst is causing quite a stir, because it is a platinum skull.

The new exhibition is called Beyond Belief and is taking place at both White Cube Hoxton Square and White Cube Mason's Yard, and it includes the stunning platinum skull, which is encrusted with diamonds.

Hirst is selling the skull, which is called For the Love of God, and it is believed that the artist's latest creation will sell for around £50 million.

Renowned for his surprising creations, such as the famous shark preserved in formaldehyde that made his name 15 years ago, Hirst's latest creation is continuing to hold the public's imagination.

Taken from an 18th century skull, the artwork features 8,601 jewels, including a large pear-shaped pink diamond set in its forehead.

Commenting on the skull's jewels, Hirst enthused: "You just want it to be flawless, like a diamond is a flawless. We wanted to put them everywhere."

Speaking to the BBC, he said the skull is "uplifting", adding that it "takes your breath away".

Sources:

Damien Hirst: Beyond Belief
http://www.whitecube.com/exhibitions/beyond_belief/

Hirst unveils £50m diamond skull, 1/06/07
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6712015.stm
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