SourcingSep 09, 2025
Anglo American to Merge With Canadian Copper Miner Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.
AuctionsJun 19, 2017
Possessions of Infamous American Gangsters Up for Auction
RR Auction’s “Gangsters, Outlaws and Lawmen” sale will include a promise ring Clyde gave to Bonnie and a pocket watch once owned by Al Capone.
At left is Bonnie Parker, one half of the infamous duo Bonnie and Clyde. Pictured at right is the promise ring that Clyde Barrow made for her while he was imprisoned.
Boston--Al Capone, Bonnie and Clyde, Whitey Bulger--you know their names, and soon you could own part of their history as well.
On June 24, Boston-based RR Auction will hold its “Gangsters, Outlaws and Lawmen” sale, featuring a number of items belonging to some America’s most infamous criminals.
One of the most notable items in the sale is a ring Clyde Barrow gave to Bonnie Parker.
Though the duo robbed a number of jewelry stores in their days, this ring is attributed solely to Barrow’s “craftsmanship,” the auction house said.
Just two months after meeting, he was arrested and spent the next two years in prison, where both he and his brother engaged in a number of crafts to pass the time, including jewelry-making, leathercraft and woodworking.
“He must have crafted this ring for her during that period as a sort of ‘promise’ ring. They were never officially engaged,” said Bobby Livingston, executive vice president at RR Auction.
The ring features a three-headed snake set with faux green and red gemstones. The auction house said it’s likely Barrow--whom historians now know was very artistic--made this ring with a base metal (probably copper) using the lost-wax casting process and then plated it in silver.
The inside of the band contains his personal hallmark--a musical note struck by an arrow. The musical note was incorporated because playing music was one of his favorite pastimes while the arrow could represent his love for Bonnie or be referring to his last name, Barrow.
The ring, recovered in the couple’s 1933 Ford Model B after the “Sowers Raid” in Texas in 1933, is estimated to sell for at least $40,000.
“The ring is an absolutely amazing artifact of enormous significance,” said Livingston. “It is the closest thing Bonnie and Clyde shared between each other to a wedding ring.”
Another highlight in the June 24 sale is the diamond-studded pocket watch (pictured above) once owned by Chicago’s most infamous gangster, Al Capone.
Known to be a well-dressed man, Capone loved flashy suits, large pinky rings and diamonds.
“Unlike his more-maligned moniker of ‘Scarface,’ Capone preferred that those closest to him call him by ‘Snorky,’ a slang term that meant sharp or well dressed,” Livingston said.
The Illinois Watch Company made Capone’s pocket watch. The bezel is set with 72 cut diamonds, and the watch has a platinum face and gold-tone impressed numerals and hands.
The reverse side of the case bears the initials “AC,” 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 includes the original 12-inch watch chain made of 14-karat white gold.
Capone’s pocket watch expected to go for $25,000 at RR Auction.
The sale also will include original 1933 Parker and Barrow arrest warrants, a 1934 Barrow signed letter with his fingerprints, Sheriff Schmid’s gold and diamond badge, two death masks of American gangster John Dillinger and James “Whitey” Bulger’s Alfred Dunhill aviator sunglasses.
For the full preview of the auction, visit RRAuction.com.
The lot also includes the original 12-inch watch chain made of 14-karat white gold.
Capone’s pocket watch expected to go for $25,000 at RR Auction.
The sale also will include original 1933 Parker and Barrow arrest warrants, a 1934 Barrow signed letter with his fingerprints, Sheriff Schmid’s gold and diamond badge, two death masks of American gangster John Dillinger and James “Whitey” Bulger’s Alfred Dunhill aviator sunglasses.
For the full preview of the auction, visit RRAuction.com.
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsSep 09, 2025
MJSA Education Foundation Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersThe nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.
IndependentsSep 08, 2025
Take a Look Inside the New Korman Store in AustinThe Texas-based jeweler has also undergone a brand refresh, debuting a new website and logo.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
MajorsSep 08, 2025
MJSA Is Officially Now Under JA’s UmbrellaThe two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.
Weekly QuizSep 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 08, 2025
Sotheby’s To Auction ‘Exceptional’ Collection of JAR, Suzanne Belperron JewelsThe single-owner sale will headline Sotheby's inaugural jewelry auction at the Breuer building, its new global headquarters, this December.
Events & AwardsSep 08, 2025
27 Can’t-Miss Converge Sessions, Events From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
ColumnistsSep 05, 2025
Peter Smith: A Lasting Lesson From Maurice Tempelsman Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.
CollectionsSep 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jamie Turner’s ‘Victoria’ Necklace The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.
Policies & IssuesSep 05, 2025
Trump Takes Tariffs Case to the Supreme Court Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.
WatchesSep 05, 2025
Patrick Mahomes Is the New Hublot Brand AmbassadorThe Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.
SourcingSep 04, 2025
Lucara Unveils Unusual 37-Carat Pink DiamondThe Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.
WatchesSep 04, 2025
Breitling Takes Its NFL Game to the Next Level Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
The NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Returns in NovemberNYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé SaleU.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
These Are the Nearly 300 Claire’s Stores Set to CloseA new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
Stuller Releases 2 New Catalogs The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”
TrendsSep 03, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Perfect BirthstoneSapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 SalesThe retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps DownNiccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in JapanThe three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ CollabThe collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink DiamondThe highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff ImpactCEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.
