CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
AuctionsJun 26, 2017
Al Capone’s Diamond Pocket Watch Sells for $84K
It more than tripled its pre-sale estimate at RR Auction’s “Gangsters, Outlaws and Lawmen” sale, while a ring Clyde gave to Bonnie sold for $25,000.
This diamond and platinum pocket watch once owned by infamous gangster Al Capone was the top lot in RR Auction’s “Gangsters, Outlaws and Lawmen” sale, selling for $84,375.
Boston--A diamond and platinum pocket watch once owned by Scarface himself topped a recent auction of the possessions of infamous American gangsters, going for $84,375.
The diamond-studded piece led Boston-based RR Auction’s “Gangsters, Outlaws and Lawmen” sale on Saturday, selling for more than three times its $25,000 pre-sale estimate. The winning bidder has not yet been identified.
The Illinois Watch Company made Capone’s pocket watch, which has a bezel set with 72 cut diamonds and features a platinum face and gold-tone impressed numerals and hands.
The reverse side of the case bears the initials “AC,” and is comprised of 23 cut diamonds encircled by an additional 26. The interior contains a 17-jewel movement with gold wheels and jewel cups.
The lot also included the original 12-inch watch chain made of 14-karat white gold.
Another highlight in the June 24 sale was the promise ring Clyde Barrow gave to Bonnie Parker, which sold for $25,000 Saturday.
Though the ring sold for well below its $40,000 pre-sale estimate, the final hammer price of the piece (excluding the buyer’s premium) still made it the second most expensive lot in the sale. 
The ring originally was believed to have been created by Barrow himself--who was known to be very artistic and crafty--while he was in prison, but RR Auction’s jewelry expert later updated his findings, saying that he believed Parker’s ring was likely manufactured by the Uncas jewelry company in the early 1930s.
The ring draws from the same Western-style design themes that inspired Barrow’s jewelry-making though, the auction house said, featuring a three-headed snake set with faux green and red gemstones. It was recovered in the couple’s 1933 Ford Model B after the “Sowers Raid” in Texas in 1933.
Other highlights from Saturday’s sale include a special demurrer signed by Capone relating to the case between him and the State of Florida dated April 26, 1930, which sold for $19,375; a handwritten musical manuscript of “Humoresque” from Capone written out while he was incarcerated at Alcatraz that sold for $18,750; and a letter written by Bonnie Parker and signed by Clyde Barrow to ex-Barrow gang member Raymond Hamilton at the Dallas County Jail, circa April 1934, which went for $16,250.
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
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 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
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.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
