Auctions

Taking Care of Business: GWS Puts Elvis Ring Up for Auction

AuctionsNov 20, 2020

Taking Care of Business: GWS Puts Elvis Ring Up for Auction

Its “Artifacts of Hollywood and Music” sale also features Omega and Bulova watches owned by Muhammad Ali and Greta Garbo.

20201120_TCB-Elvis-Ring.jpg
The first “TCB” ring designed and worn by Elvis Presley, and later given to his friend and backup singer J.D. Sumner, heads to auction at GWS this month.

Los Angeles—GWS Auctions is taking care of business this month.

At its “Artifacts of Hollywood and Music” auction, slated for Nov. 28, the company will put a ring on the auction block once owned by Elvis Presley and given to J.D. Sumner, lead singer of his backup quartet in the 1970s, Sumner & The Stamps.

The piece is the first “TCB” ring Presley designed, symbolizing the King’s personal mantra—“Taking Care of Business”—he took up when he returned to the concert circuit in 1969.

Presley was known for giving away his jewels almost as much as he wore them, be it to friends, colleagues or fans, and this one was no exception—he gave the ring to Sumner on stage in front of an audience of 14,000 people in 1975 after years of wearing it himself.

The custom-made 14-karat yellow gold piece features raised “TCB” letters and lightning bolt designs on each side, all of which are lined with diamonds.

Above the “TCB” is a large cubic zirconia where the original 7.56-carat VS2 round brilliant-cut diamond was set, surrounded by a diamond halo of 2.25 carats, making the total carat weight of the piece 9.81 carats. 

The diamond was removed for grading and insurance purposes but comes with the ring, as does its GIA report.

Included in the lot are a letter and sketches from jeweler Lowell Hayes, and audio of Presley talking about the ring on stage.

According to the auction house, the piece has never been offered at auction or for public sale. It’s been in the collection of Mike Moon, once owner of the Stamps Quartet and founder of the Elvis Museum, since Sumner gave it to him in the early ‘80s.

Online bidding for lots has already begun, and as of Thursday, the highest bid for the ring was $80,000.

GWS said the Artifacts of Hollywood and Music auction is the largest entertainment memorabilia sale in its history, comprising more than 300 lots and some of its biggest names.




Other notable lots are the diamond and platinum spiral ring pictured above, featuring 13 total carats and owned by American actress Arlene Dahl; Muhammad Ali’s Omega watch engraved “Ali 10/30/1974,” commemorating his victory over George Foreman at The Rumble in the Jungle in 1974; and a pair of Bulova watches that belonged to Greta Garbo.

It will also offer Presley’s 1975 FLH 1200 Harley Davidson, which he drove around

Graceland, and the personal contents of his Hollywood home including furnishings, art, glassware, clothing, games, and many other personal items.

The auction will also feature archive recordings of more than 700 hours of performances from Woodstock once owned by producer Eric Blackstead, a Van Halen MTV Music Award, and the prototype guitar from a custom collaboration between Eric Clapton and Strings and Things Music Store in Memphis, Tennessee.

To see all lots, visit GWSAuctions.com.

Editor’s note: This story was updated Nov. 25 to reflect the correct total carat weight of the piece.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

AGTA Spectrum winners
Events & AwardsNov 06, 2025
Pink Tourmaline Bracelet, Emerald Suite Take Top Spectrum Honors

Pink and purple stones were popular in the AGTA’s design competition this year, as were cameos and ocean themes.

G. St x Jewel Boxing Raffle for City Harvest Graphic
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Hosts Raffle Supporting Food Rescue

All proceeds from the G. St x Jewel Boxing raffle will go to City Harvest, which works to end hunger in New York City.

Courtney Cornell
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Cornell’s Jewelers Names New President

Courtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.

20-Under-40-2025-LV.png
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for Members

From educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.

Trucks at Orapa diamond mine
SourcingNov 06, 2025
De Beers’ Production, Sales Increase in Q3

De Beers also announced more changes in its upper ranks ahead of parent company Anglo American’s pending sale of the company.

Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Ulrich Wohn
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts

Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.

Tyla Pandora Talisman collection
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment

The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: Introducing GIA Jewelry Services

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall Peace Medallion
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%

The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.

US Supreme Court
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case Wednesday

Ahead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.

Stuller Inc.’s Danny Clark, Matt Stuller, and Belit Myers
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt Stuller

Stuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.

Headshot of National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold?

Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.

Mellerio Jardin Pierreries Necklace
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November Birthdays

Citrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.

Weston Jewelers Fort Lauderdale store rendering
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort Lauderdale

The family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.

Two of the three suspects in burglary at Queens jeweler’s home
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home

The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.

Matthew Rosenheim
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board Chair

The trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.

Muse’s Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good Collection on Flaviana Matata
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDG

The “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.

Heavenly Vices Mother Father Spinner Necklace
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’

This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.

Interpol Stolen Works of Art Database, The Louvre Museum Graphic
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing

The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your Business

Experts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.

GIA iD100® Technology
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Seattle PD image of Menashe & Sons Jewelers following Aug. 14 smash-and-grab robbery
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs

The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.

Alison Lou Lumière Fine Collection On-Model
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and Resin

The “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.

Buddha Mama gold skull pave huggies
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted Halloween

Show off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.

Is This Love That I’m Feeling event imagery
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History Museum

The “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.

Stock image of person holding shopping bags
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence

Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.

Couture show
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to Watches

The company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.

×

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