AuctionsAug 12, 2022
2 Rolexes Paul Newman Gave to Stuntman Stan Barrett Head to Auction AuctionsSep 06, 2022
Elvis’ ‘That’s the Way It Is’ Lion Ring Among Top Lots at Auction
“The King” had the gold, tsavorite, and red garnet ring made prior to the filming of the 1970 MGM documentary of the same name.
A buyer paid more than $160,000 for this lion ring with tsavorite eyes and a red garnet in its mouth at Kruse GWS Auctions’ recent sale of Elvis memorabilia. The King had the ring made prior to the 1970 MGM documentary, “Elvis: That’s the Way It Is.” (Photo courtesy Kruse GWS Auctions)
Los Angeles—Even though the “lost” jewelry Elvis Presley gifted longtime manager Col. Tom Parker was billed as the highlight in Kruse GWS Auctions’ recent sale, in the end, the top lots were all Elvis.
A buyer paid $162,500 (including buyer’s premium) for the solid 18-karat gold “That’s the Way It Is” lion head ring with tsavorite eyes and a red garnet in its mouth, making it the sale’s highest-grossing jewelry lot.
According to Kruse GWS, “The King” had his Beverly Hills jeweler custom-make this ring prior to the filming of the 1970 MGM documentary, “Elvis: That’s the Way It Is.”
A 14-karat yellow gold “TCB” necklace with 1 carat total weight of diamonds Elvis gave to Denver police officer Ron Pietrafeso sold for a total of $150,000.
The two met in 1969 after Elvis performed in Denver and became friends over the years.
Elvis later invited Pietrafeso and several other police officers to one of his Las Vegas shows. The King gave Pietrafeso the necklace following the concert and had diamonds set on the “T,” “C,” and “B” later.
A buyer paid $87,500 for a custom diamond music note ring Elvis personally owned and wore on stage, later gifting it to actress Mindi Miller, whom he dated in the mid-1970s.
The custom-made 18-karat yellow gold ring was made in the shape of a record with a large white gold music note featuring a blue stone in the center surrounded by 0.60 carats of full-cut diamonds in white gold.
A buyer paid $162,500 (including buyer’s premium) for the solid 18-karat gold “That’s the Way It Is” lion head ring with tsavorite eyes and a red garnet in its mouth, making it the sale’s highest-grossing jewelry lot.
According to Kruse GWS, “The King” had his Beverly Hills jeweler custom-make this ring prior to the filming of the 1970 MGM documentary, “Elvis: That’s the Way It Is.”
A 14-karat yellow gold “TCB” necklace with 1 carat total weight of diamonds Elvis gave to Denver police officer Ron Pietrafeso sold for a total of $150,000.
The two met in 1969 after Elvis performed in Denver and became friends over the years.
Elvis later invited Pietrafeso and several other police officers to one of his Las Vegas shows. The King gave Pietrafeso the necklace following the concert and had diamonds set on the “T,” “C,” and “B” later.
A buyer paid $87,500 for a custom diamond music note ring Elvis personally owned and wore on stage, later gifting it to actress Mindi Miller, whom he dated in the mid-1970s.
The custom-made 18-karat yellow gold ring was made in the shape of a record with a large white gold music note featuring a blue stone in the center surrounded by 0.60 carats of full-cut diamonds in white gold.
This “TCB” necklace Elvis gave to Denver police officer Ron Pietrafeso sold for $150,000. TCB stands for “Taking Care of Business,” one of The King’s mantras. (Photo courtesy Kruse GWS Auctions)
Elvis wore this 14-karat gold and onyx ring during a 1972 performance in Las Vegas and later gave it to his doctor there, Dr. Elias Ghanem. A buyer paid $56,250 for the piece. (Photo courtesy Kruse GWS Auctions)
A buyer paid nearly $27,000 for this Corum Gold Coin watch, which originally belong to Elvis before he gifted it to longtime manager Col. Tom Parker. (Photo courtesy Kruse GWS Auctions)
The custom-made gold and diamond music note ring Elvis wore then gave to Mindi Miller sold for $87,500. The pear-shaped stone set into the music note is described only as a “blue stone.” (Photo courtesy Kruse GWS Auctions)
Another piece personally worn by Elvis on stage, a 14-karat gold and onyx ring, also was among the auction’s top jewelry lots, selling for $56,250.
The King wore the onyx ring on Aug. 18, 1972, while performing at the Las Vegas Hilton, according to the auction house. He later gave it to his Las Vegas physician, Dr. Elias Ghanem, and it was acquired from his estate.
The highest-grossing piece in the sale that belonged to Parker was a Corum Gold Coin watch, which sold for $26,875.
Parker was Elvis’ longtime manager, and their sometimes-tumultuous relationship has been back in the spotlight lately thanks to “Elvis,” the Baz Luhrmann-directed biopic starring Tom Hanks and Cartier ambassador Austin Butler that’s one of the top-grossing films of the year.
Presley, who was known for giving watches to friends and family, wore the Corum before gifting it to Parker. It is 18-karat gold with an 1892 U.S. $20 gold coin that was sawed in half to serve as both dial and case back.
Kruse GWS Auctions’ “The Lost Jewelry Collection of Elvis Presley & Col. Tom Parker and Iconic Elvis Presley Memorabilia” took place Aug. 27.
The top lot overall was the Elvis Presley’s ‘68 Comeback Special Hagstrom V-2 guitar, which sold for $937,500 including buyer’s premium, while the singer’s Lincoln Continental “Last” Limo garnered $500,000.
Based in Los Angeles, Kruse GWS Auctions specializes in Hollywood memorabilia, as well as fine jewelry and watches, royal artifacts, and more.
It’s auctioned off pieces from The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll before, including a chunky 14-karat gold and diamond “Taking Care of Business” ring in late 2020.
The top lot overall was the Elvis Presley’s ‘68 Comeback Special Hagstrom V-2 guitar, which sold for $937,500 including buyer’s premium, while the singer’s Lincoln Continental “Last” Limo garnered $500,000.
Based in Los Angeles, Kruse GWS Auctions specializes in Hollywood memorabilia, as well as fine jewelry and watches, royal artifacts, and more.
It’s auctioned off pieces from The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll before, including a chunky 14-karat gold and diamond “Taking Care of Business” ring in late 2020.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board ChairThe trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s JewelersThe jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5MThe proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
AuctionsApr 23, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Fetches $1MThe Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.
