AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sAuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's Ring
A signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
John Wayne’s signet ring is crafted from 14-karat yellow gold and features an oval face with his initials, “JW,” engraved in relief as well as an engraved tapered band.
London—A signet ring that once belonged to legendary American actor John Wayne is heading to auction in Elmwood’s “A Private Collection of Antique, Vintage, and Modern Jewels” sale next month.
The signet ring is a remarkable and deeply personal piece of Hollywood history, the UK-based auction house said.
Wayne was not known for the ostentatious jewelry often associated with “Golden Age” fashion.
Instead, his jewels were simple, masculine, and usually had personal significance.
His ring is crafted from 14-karat yellow gold and features an oval face with his initials, “JW,” engraved in relief as well as an engraved tapered band.
It has a pre-sale estimate of £2,000 to £3,000 (about $2,700 to $4,050).
“This is a rare opportunity to acquire a very personal item once belonging to a true film icon,” said Sophie Padfield, head of Elmwood’s jewelry department.
“Pieces of this kind provide collectors with more than just ownership; they create a tangible and deeply personal connection to history and the individuals who shaped it.”
Related stories will be right here …
The signet ring is a remarkable and deeply personal piece of Hollywood history, the UK-based auction house said.
Wayne was not known for the ostentatious jewelry often associated with “Golden Age” fashion.
Instead, his jewels were simple, masculine, and usually had personal significance.
His ring is crafted from 14-karat yellow gold and features an oval face with his initials, “JW,” engraved in relief as well as an engraved tapered band.
It has a pre-sale estimate of £2,000 to £3,000 (about $2,700 to $4,050).
“This is a rare opportunity to acquire a very personal item once belonging to a true film icon,” said Sophie Padfield, head of Elmwood’s jewelry department.
“Pieces of this kind provide collectors with more than just ownership; they create a tangible and deeply personal connection to history and the individuals who shaped it.”
Wayne was one of the most enduring figures in cinematic history.
He is widely known for his work in Westerns and war films from the 1930s through the 1970s.
Born Marion Robert Morrison in 1907, and nicknamed “The Duke,” he changed his name to John Wayne in 1930 for the film “The Big Trail” because studio executives and film director Raoul Walsh said “Marion” was not manly enough.
It wasn’t until the 1939 film “Stagecoach” that Wayne became a major star.
With this film, he cemented his on-screen persona which he carried throughout his career, that of a rugged, self-reliant figure who came to symbolize the mythology of the American frontier.
Over the course of his career, which spanned more than five decades, Wayne appeared in more than 170 films.
He starred in “Red River” (1948), “The Searchers” (1956), and “True Grit” (1969), with the latter earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1970.
His final role in “The Shootist” (1976) mirrored his own life, as he portrayed an aging gunfighter facing a terminal illness.
Wayne died in 1979 at the age of 72 due to health issues, including lung and stomach cancer.
Posthumously he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Jimmy Carter in 1980 for his “exceptional contribution to cultural endeavors.”
During his life, Wayne married three times and had seven children.
His signet ring came to Elmwood’s auction through the private collection of Daniel Towell, an avid collector and jewelry dealer based in West Yorkshire, England.
Towell purchased Wayne’s signet ring in 1997 from a previous owner who had put it up for auction at Frasers Auctioneers in London.
Elmwood’s A Private Collection of Antique, Vintage, and Modern Jewels auction is slated for May 13-14.
The live auction will be open online and via phone.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ NecklacesThe campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in ShanghaiIt will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsThe annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
