Crave's USB-chargeable vibrator doubles as a pendant necklace
San Francisco start-up Crave has launched a stainless-steel vibrator that can be worn as a necklace and charged via a USB port on a computer (+ slideshow).
![Vesper vibrator necklace by Crave](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Vesper-vibrator-necklace-by-Crave_dezeen_468_14.jpg)
Co-founded by entrepreneur Michael Topolovac and Royal College of Art graduate Ti Chang, Crave created the Vesper vibrator as a design-focused stimulator rather than a novelty item.
"For lack of a better term, the 'sex toy' category has historically been overrun by novelty products," Chang told Dezeen.
![Vesper vibrator necklace by Crave](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Vesper-vibrator-necklace-by-Crave_dezeen_468_10.jpg)
"Being free of that legacy, we are able to approach the design of our products like one might approach other modern products, and use materials and design thinking to support a rich experience for the user."
![Vesper vibrator necklace by Crave](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Vesper-vibrator-necklace-by-Crave_dezeen_468_24.jpg)
The 9.65-centimetre-long vibrator can be worn on a chain around the neck as a metallic pendant, or removed from the chain and kept in a drawer a home.
![Vesper vibrator necklace by Crave](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Vesper-vibrator-necklace-by-Crave_dezeen_468_23.jpg)
"In the case of Vesper, I was intrigued to explore, in a fun way, the tension between that what is private and public," said Chang.
![Vesper vibrator necklace by Crave](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Vesper-vibrator-necklace-by-Crave_dezeen_468_17.jpg)
"Not everyone is going to want to wear this out – some women love it as a piece of jewellery with a naughty secret, for others it is a symbol of sexual empowerment to wear their pleasure openly."
![Vesper vibrator necklace by Crave](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Vesper-vibrator-necklace-by-Crave_dezeen_468_19.jpg)
"At the same time we recognise that it is a totally personal decision, so the design of the necklace is intended to be removable," Chang added.
![Vesper vibrator necklace by Crave](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Vesper-vibrator-necklace-by-Crave_dezeen_468_22.jpg)
Designed for external use only, its minimal case includes just one button to turn the device on, change between the three speed options and a pulse setting, and turn it off.
![Vesper vibrator necklace by Crave](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Vesper-vibrator-necklace-by-Crave_dezeen_468_21.jpg)
The body and tip of the slim vial-shaped device are made from polished stainless steel, shaped using computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining.
![Vesper vibrator necklace by Crave](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Vesper-vibrator-necklace-by-Crave_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
The chain and cap are also made of stainless steel and finished with a choice of silver, rose gold, or 24-karat gold nickel-free plating. An all gold-plated version is also available.
![Vesper vibrator necklace by Crave](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Vesper-vibrator-necklace-by-Crave_dezeen_468_11.jpg)
Inside, a small circuit board controls custom-machined and silicone-moulded parts.
![Vesper vibrator necklace by Crave](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Vesper-vibrator-necklace-by-Crave_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
The decision to make Vesper USB rechargeable was driven by environmental and convenience considerations.
![Vesper vibrator necklace by Crave](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Vesper-vibrator-necklace-by-Crave_dezeen_468_12.jpg)
"It is simply much better for the environment and for the user experience, removing the hassle of replacing batteries," Chang explained. "USB recharge-ability also makes the product travel friendly – users no longer have to think about packing chargers, adapters etc."
![Vesper vibrator necklace by Crave](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Vesper-vibrator-necklace-by-Crave_dezeen_468_9.jpg)
Vesper is in production and will be ready to ship in early September. It is currently available to pre-order with optional free engraving – quoting Charles Eames, the example given is: "Take your pleasure seriously".
![Vesper vibrator necklace by Crave](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Vesper-vibrator-necklace-by-Crave_dezeen_468_6.jpg)