AuctionsSep 09, 2021
Marie Antoinette Diamonds Expected to Fetch $2M-$4M at AuctionAuctionsOct 14, 2021
Al Capone’s Jewels Smash Auction Estimates
The top watch and jewelry lots included Capone’s Patek Philippe pocket watch and a diamond tie bar.
A framed vintage hand-colored silver print of Al Capone and his son, Sonny, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, circa 1925. This print was among the lots at Witherell’s “A Century of Notoriety: The Estate of Al Capone” auction, alongside jewelry, watches, and other items.
Sacramento—Businessman-turned-gangster Al Capone is one of the most notorious figures in American pop culture.
Items from his estate hit the auction block at Witherell’s in Sacramento, California last week, prompting auction-goers to pay top dollar to take home a piece of history.
“A Century of Notoriety: The Estate of Al Capone” featured jewelry, watches, firearms, vintage photographs, furniture, and other items once belonging to the infamous name, which sold for more than $3 million total.
When Capone died in 1947, his widow, Mae Capone, moved into the guest quarters of their Palm Island, Florida mansion and left the main house untouched until its sale in 1952.
She passed heirlooms on to their only child, Sonny Capone, and to his daughters, Barbara, Diane, and Ronnie.
Al Capone’s granddaughters helped to orchestrate the auction, hoping to share their view of him with the world after living most of their lives out of the spotlight in Northern California.
While the public remembers Capone for his gangster reputation and life of crime, his family remembers him differently, a view shared by Diane Capone in her 2019 book, “Al Capone: Stories My Grandmother Told Me.”
“What people don’t know is his personal story as a father and grandfather and his painful path of redemption while at Alcatraz,” Diane said in a press release about the auction.
“That is the unknown Capone I talk about in my book, and it’s the story that comes to life with these family treasures.”
The top-selling lot was a Colt Model 1911 semi-automatic pistol, said to have been Al Capone’s favorite .45 firearm.
It sold for $1 million, exceeding its $100,000 to $150,000 estimate by a country mile.
The top lot in the jewelry/watches category was Al Capone’s Patek Philippe pocket watch, seen above, with 90 single-cut diamonds (0.02 carats each/VS clarity/EF) with a platinum contract case featuring a signed dial and movement.
It sold for $229,900, far surpassing its $25,000 to $50,000 estimate.
A 14-karat white gold and diamond monogram “AC” pendant, seen above, sold for $82,280, well above its $2,500 to $5,000 estimate.
The above platinum Haynes Stellite pocketknife, set with 20 single-cut diamonds to spell “Al,” sold for $78,650, surpassing its $2,500 to $5,000 estimate.
Capone’s diamond tie bar (above), set with 21 single-cut diamonds, each .005 carats, VVS, and D, E, or F in color, sold for $22,990, well above its $2,500 to $5,000 estimate.
Capone’s 14-karat white gold matchbook cover, set with 63 diamonds, sold for $36,300, far exceeding its $2,500 to $5,000 estimate.
Other jewels up for auction included money clips, cufflinks, and stick pins, all of which sold for above their estimates.
Related stories will be right here …
Items from his estate hit the auction block at Witherell’s in Sacramento, California last week, prompting auction-goers to pay top dollar to take home a piece of history.
“A Century of Notoriety: The Estate of Al Capone” featured jewelry, watches, firearms, vintage photographs, furniture, and other items once belonging to the infamous name, which sold for more than $3 million total.
When Capone died in 1947, his widow, Mae Capone, moved into the guest quarters of their Palm Island, Florida mansion and left the main house untouched until its sale in 1952.
She passed heirlooms on to their only child, Sonny Capone, and to his daughters, Barbara, Diane, and Ronnie.
Al Capone’s granddaughters helped to orchestrate the auction, hoping to share their view of him with the world after living most of their lives out of the spotlight in Northern California.
While the public remembers Capone for his gangster reputation and life of crime, his family remembers him differently, a view shared by Diane Capone in her 2019 book, “Al Capone: Stories My Grandmother Told Me.”
“What people don’t know is his personal story as a father and grandfather and his painful path of redemption while at Alcatraz,” Diane said in a press release about the auction.
“That is the unknown Capone I talk about in my book, and it’s the story that comes to life with these family treasures.”
The top-selling lot was a Colt Model 1911 semi-automatic pistol, said to have been Al Capone’s favorite .45 firearm.
It sold for $1 million, exceeding its $100,000 to $150,000 estimate by a country mile.
(Photo Credit: Sheldon Carpenter/Witherell's Inc.)
The top lot in the jewelry/watches category was Al Capone’s Patek Philippe pocket watch, seen above, with 90 single-cut diamonds (0.02 carats each/VS clarity/EF) with a platinum contract case featuring a signed dial and movement.
It sold for $229,900, far surpassing its $25,000 to $50,000 estimate.
(Photo Credit: Sheldon Carpenter/Witherell's Inc.)
A 14-karat white gold and diamond monogram “AC” pendant, seen above, sold for $82,280, well above its $2,500 to $5,000 estimate.
(Photo Credit: Sheldon Carpenter/Witherell's Inc.)
The above platinum Haynes Stellite pocketknife, set with 20 single-cut diamonds to spell “Al,” sold for $78,650, surpassing its $2,500 to $5,000 estimate.
(Photo Credit: Sheldon Carpenter/Witherell's Inc.)
Capone’s diamond tie bar (above), set with 21 single-cut diamonds, each .005 carats, VVS, and D, E, or F in color, sold for $22,990, well above its $2,500 to $5,000 estimate.
(Photo Credit: Sheldon Carpenter/Witherell's Inc.)
Capone’s 14-karat white gold matchbook cover, set with 63 diamonds, sold for $36,300, far exceeding its $2,500 to $5,000 estimate.
Other jewels up for auction included money clips, cufflinks, and stick pins, all of which sold for above their estimates.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
IndependentsFeb 05, 2026
Borsheims to Undergo Massive Renovation in the Spring The Omaha jewelry store’s multi-million-dollar renovation is scheduled to begin in mid-May and take about six months.
