The ring, which Tupac designed and commissioned in 1996, became the most valuable hip-hop item ever sold at auction, Sotheby's announced Tuesday. It is also the only hip-hop item to surpass the $1 million mark. After a battle among several bidders, the jewel fetched more than triple its high estimate of $300,000, the presale price.
The ring consists of a gold hoop decorated with diamonds, on top of which sits a crown. The crown has a cabochon ruby and two pavé-cut diamonds, with smaller rubies at the tips of the tops. Tupac wore the crown ring in 1996 at the MTV Video Music Awards. This was his last public appearance before his death, Sotheby's explained. It was offered at auction by his godmother, Yaasmyn Fula.
“This one-of-a-kind custom ring was meticulously designed by Pac. It is one of the final products of his boundless creative energy. A unique artefact from a period that is a testament to his enduring influence on hip-hop,” said Cassandra Hatton, global head of science and popular culture at Sotheby's.
Source: rapaport.com
