WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
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
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private EquityThe Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.
Lab-GrownSep 24, 2026
Kira Jewels Opens B2B E-Commerce Portal for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, PersonalizationThis holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.
SourcingSep 23, 2026
Organization That Promotes Natural Diamond Rebrands for Third Time The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
This Milwaukee-Area Jeweler Is Serving the 7CsPaul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.
MajorsSep 23, 2026
Kay Jewelers’ New Campaign Goes ‘All In’ on LovePart of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.
Events & AwardsSep 23, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Exhibition Opening at Arkansas Museum The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.
CollectionsSep 23, 2026
Pucker Up for Pandora’s New Pat McGrath Jewelry CollabThe jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Texas Jewelers Association to Celebrate 120th AnniversaryThe association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Sissy’s Log Cabin’s ‘Back to School and Bling’ Event ReturnsThe jeweler donated school supplies to Memphis, Tennessee, students during the event combining basketball and mentorship.
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court RulesA federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.
ColumnistsSep 22, 2026
Peter Smith: Our Struggle With Emotional SellingPeople aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.
IndependentsSep 22, 2026
Constance Polamalu Named to '40 Under 40' ListThe Baltimore Business Journal recognized the entrepreneur for her leadership in business and the jewelry industry.
GradingSep 22, 2026
GCAL by Sarine Opens New Lab in MumbaiThe facility is located within SEEPZ and is GCAL by Sarine’s second location in India, joining its existing grading lab in Surat.
Events & AwardsSep 22, 2026
NYCJAOS Returns for Autumn EditionThe four-day show is slated for Nov. 19-22 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
MajorsSep 21, 2026
Longtime Industry Executive Pamela Bernstein-Gulla to RetireBernstein-Gulla has been working in the jewelry industry for 40 years, most recently as chief engagement officer for Hill & Co.
IndependentsSep 21, 2026
Bhindi Jewelers Moves Into New, Larger California StoreThe relocated Glendale store, now at The Americana at Brand, was designed to be a contemporary “timepiece haven” inspired by luxury resorts.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.
