The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.
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.
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.
The Latest
He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.
The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.
There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.
A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.
Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.
The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.
Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.
The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.
DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.
Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.
Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.
The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.
The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.
The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”
The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.
One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.
Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.
Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.
Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.
The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.
JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.
The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.