Majors

Mint Condition: McDonald’s Made a $90K Golden Shamrock Shake

MajorsFeb 26, 2020

Mint Condition: McDonald’s Made a $90K Golden Shamrock Shake

The fast-food giant is celebrating the dessert’s 50th anniversary with the auction of a one-of-a-kind 18-karat gold, diamond and emerald cup.

20200226_McDonalds-header.jpg
To celebrate the Shamrock Shake’s golden anniversary, McDonald’s is auctioning off this 18-karat gold, diamond and emerald cup.

Chicago—It’s the Shamrock Shake’s 50th anniversary, and McDonald’s isn’t letting it go by without a proper celebration.

In honor of the seasonal mint-flavored dessert, which has just returned nationwide, McDonald’s has introduced a special-one-of-a-kind creation for the occasion—a solid gold cup in which one can enjoy the green shake.  

The Golden Shamrock Shake is hand-crafted in 18-karat gold and set with 50 yellow diamonds in the shape of the golden arches as well as 50 colorless diamonds and emeralds set in the top rim and bottom rim, respectively. 

Solomon Brothers Jewelers in Georgia designed and created the cup, spending more than 140 hours producing the piece.

It’s available for purchase via auction, with proceeds benefitting the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which Shamrock Shake proceeds helped open in 1974.

The auction is live now; anyone interested can place a bid on the Ronald McDonald House Charities eBay for Charity page.

The opening bid started at $1, but the current bid was up to $30,100 as of Wednesday morning.

The cup comes with an appraisal from Solomon Brothers Jewelers, which has valued it at $90,000.

The auction ends Friday, March 6 at 5 a.m. EST.

McDonald’s is also offering the opportunity for customers to win a Golden Shamrock Shake—anyone who buys a Shamrock Shake or an Oreo Shamrock McFlurry through the company’s app will automatically be entered to win the one-of-a-kind piece.

“Tradition calls for a 50th anniversary to be celebrated with gold, so we wanted to create an item that not only represented this milestone, but our delicious Shamrock Shake,” said McDonald’s Vice President of U.S. Communications Dave Tovar.

Editor’s note: This story was updated post-publication to reflect that Solomon Brothers Jewelers also designed and created the cup as well as provided the appraisal.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Hogback diamond ring
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home

A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.

Kris Averi Rainbow Prism Thorn Ring
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ Ring

The rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.

Bernard James Knickerbockers Special Edition Aura Band
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with Ring

The Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Brandee Dallow
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEO

Dallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.

Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
SCAD Jewelers Mutual Studio exterior
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler Shortage

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.

Mejuri Steel Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With Steel

Its new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Watches and Wonders 2027
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 Dates

The week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.

New Gem Legacy board members Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy Board

The three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.

Smart Age CEO and National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online Cart

Jewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Hyacinth Charm on Hackmanite Bead Strand, Peach Opal Bead Strand, Hydrangea Charm on Aquamarine Bead Strand
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-Trend

The fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.

“Elements” bracelet best of show AGTA Spectrum 2025
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026

This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.

Columbia Gem House alexandrite
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee Online

The collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.

Francesca Villa On the Road Collection Race On Brooch and Long Road Necklace
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.

A group of Paraiba tourmalines, two of which are possibly from Ethiopia
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in Ethiopia

SSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.

Etsy Shop Other Jeffs campaign on a truck
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime Day

As Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.

Cole Winward
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship Winner

Cole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.

NeverNot Feel The Rhythm Boombox Pendant
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.

Picture from press conference in Basel for new trade show, Basilia
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in Basel

Scheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.

Gem Awards 2027 Logo
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination Period

Submissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.

Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace Ball watch
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball Watch

The beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.

Sotheby’s Paraiba tourmaline 7.70 carats
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby's

The recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”

Almasika Le Cauri Endiamanté Drop Earrings
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine Power

She wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.

Graphic for Episode 6 of My Next Question featuring Michelle Orman
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken Bathrooms

Couture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.

SSEF emerald with filler
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled Emeralds

The lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.

Former Patek Philippe President Philippe Stern
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.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy