Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
