AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17MAuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s Ring
The Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
John Wayne’s signet ring, crafted from 14-karat yellow gold with his initials, “JW,” featured on the oval face, sold for $16,600 at Elmwood’s “A Private Collection of Antique, Vintage, and Modern Jewels” auction, held Wednesday.
London—A “spirited” international bidding battle took place at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s Wednesday for pieces that once belonged to two legendary Hollywood stars.
The standout from the auction, called “A Private Collection of Antique, Vintage, and Modern Jewels,” was legendary American actor John Wayne’s signet ring.
The 14-karat yellow gold ring has an oval face with Wayne’s initials, “JW,” engraved in relief as well as an engraved tapered band.
It sold for £12,350 (approximately $16,600), more than six times its pre-sale low estimate of £2,000 (about $2,700).
A private American collector scored the ring, outbidding collectors from Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
“Bidders recognize the rarity and cultural resonance of owning something so intimately linked to Hollywood history,” said Sophie Padfield, head of jewelry at Elmwood’s.
“Sales like these remind us how provenance can transform an object into something profoundly personal and the excitement in the room, on the phones, and internet, reflected just how much collectors value these kinds of historical treasures.”
The jewelry Elmwood’s offered at auction Wednesday belonged to Daniel Towell, a jewelry collector and dealer based in West Yorkshire, England.
Related stories will be right here …
The standout from the auction, called “A Private Collection of Antique, Vintage, and Modern Jewels,” was legendary American actor John Wayne’s signet ring.
The 14-karat yellow gold ring has an oval face with Wayne’s initials, “JW,” engraved in relief as well as an engraved tapered band.
It sold for £12,350 (approximately $16,600), more than six times its pre-sale low estimate of £2,000 (about $2,700).
A private American collector scored the ring, outbidding collectors from Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
“Bidders recognize the rarity and cultural resonance of owning something so intimately linked to Hollywood history,” said Sophie Padfield, head of jewelry at Elmwood’s.
“Sales like these remind us how provenance can transform an object into something profoundly personal and the excitement in the room, on the phones, and internet, reflected just how much collectors value these kinds of historical treasures.”
The jewelry Elmwood’s offered at auction Wednesday belonged to Daniel Towell, a jewelry collector and dealer based in West Yorkshire, England.
Also from Towell’s private collection was Marilyn Monroe and playwright Arthur Miller’s sterling silver tazza, which also attracted multiple bidders. A tazza is a wide, shallow platter on a pedestal that is used for serving food or for decoration.
This tazza was a wedding gift for Monroe and Miller, who were married from 1956 to 1961.
A gift to Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller, this sterling silver tazza from the 1950s features the couple’s initials, “MMA,” above a raised pattern of roses.
It features the couple’s initials, “MMA,” engraved in sterling silver, a raised pattern of roses encircling the rim, and a rose in the central well, and dates to the 1950s.
The couple’s tazza also sold for more than six times its pre-sale estimate of £500 (about $670), with a private French collector paying £3,250 (about $4,360).
Padfield said these two lots demonstrate how objects with personal and historical significance “capture the imagination” of collectors.
“The John Wayne ring and the Marilyn Monroe tazza are not just decorative pieces; they offer a direct connection to some of the most iconic figures of the 20th century,” she said.
More on Auctions
The Latest
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
