lunakasha
To me, $55 is not too high for a high quality self-published deck with gilded edges! I'd rather pay more for a spectacularly produced item than less for a mass-produced one!
I'm excited to get mine, it looks like it will be awesome!
Definitely agree with Nickigirl and MoonGypsy.
Ciro's self-published decks are incredible, and the quality is worth every penny.
I have enjoyed looking through these threads and comparing the Gilded Royale images with those of the original Gilded, which was one of my first and most precious tarot decks. There is just something about Ciro's style of artwork that speaks to me on a different level. It is beautiful, but there is more to it that is difficult to put into words.
I was just visiting Ciro's website, and I noticed several new prints that are available. My favorite is "Spirit of Autumn", because I have always loved that time of year. His image perfectly captures, for me, everything I love about fall, especially the lovely maple leaves fluttering all around.
ETA: This deck is absolutely breathtaking. Stunning artwork and the production quality is unmatched. Very pleased with my shiny new Gilded Royale (also a belated birthday gift). Anyone who is on the fence: GET IT. NOW. You will not regret it.
Luna