AuctionsJul 10, 2023
Christie’s London Sells Locket With Royal ProvenanceAuctionsJul 26, 2023
Tupac’s Crown Ring Sells for Over $1M at Auction
It more than tripled its $300,000 high-end estimate at Sotheby’s hip-hop sale.
According to Sotheby’s, this gold, ruby, and diamond crown ring that belonged to Tupac Shakur is the most expensive bejeweled memento of hip-hop history ever sold.
New York—A ring commissioned and designed by late rapper Tupac Shakur sold for just over $1 million at Sotheby’s online-only hip-hop auction on Tuesday.
According to the auctioneer, it’s the most expensive jewelry artifact related to hip-hop ever sold, more than tripling its $300,000 high-end estimate.
Worn at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1996 during his final public appearance, the ring marked an important new chapter in Tupac’s life.
Following a period of incarceration in 1995, Tupac signed a deal with Death Row Records, founded by executives and artists including Dr. Dre, and representing rappers including Snoop Dogg. At the end of that year, Tupac contacted his godmother, advisor, money manager, and caretaker Yaasmyn Fula to outline his plans for the future.
Related stories will be right here …
According to the auctioneer, it’s the most expensive jewelry artifact related to hip-hop ever sold, more than tripling its $300,000 high-end estimate.
Worn at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1996 during his final public appearance, the ring marked an important new chapter in Tupac’s life.
Following a period of incarceration in 1995, Tupac signed a deal with Death Row Records, founded by executives and artists including Dr. Dre, and representing rappers including Snoop Dogg. At the end of that year, Tupac contacted his godmother, advisor, money manager, and caretaker Yaasmyn Fula to outline his plans for the future.
During the first half of 1996, Tupac launched a media group and community organization called Euphanasia, which Fula headed, and focused on his music, screenwriting projects, and youth outreach programs.
Working with Fula as his go-between with various New York jewelers, Tupac designed a ring to commemorate all he was working toward. Influenced by Niccolo Machiavelli’s “The Prince,” which he read in prison, as well as European Medieval crowns, Tupac’s crown ring was a symbol of his own “self-coronation,” according to Fula.
Crafted in gold with diamonds and rubies, an inscription on the outside of the band reads, “Pac & Dada 1996,” to mark the rapper’s engagement to Kidada Jones.
Tupac’s gold, diamond, and ruby crown ring features the inscription “Pac & Dada 1996,” to mark the rapper’s engagement to Kidada Jones. The ring was designed and commissioned in the first half of the year.
Tupac wore the ring on his left ring finger at the VMAs on Sept. 4, 1996. He was shot in a drive-by shooting on Sept. 7 in Las Vegas and eventually succumbed to his injuries on Sept. 13. He was 25 years old.
Godmother Fula offered Tupac’s ring at the Tuesday Sotheby’s sale.
In all, the sale featuring original art, historic studio equipment, sneakers, jackets, and archival flyers and posters garnered $1.8 million.
The sale was Sotheby’s third dedicated to hip-hop and marks what is being referred to as the 50th anniversary of the music genre this year.
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement PlansHe retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallA new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to SeattleThe trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in SeptemberIts sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief EffortsThe jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.
