Offered is a rosary bead necklace with a silver-colored crucifix owned by Elvis Presley. Elvis had a great affinity for all things religious and was a spiritual seeker thorughout his life. The rosary necklace was eventually gifted to Elvis'' cousin Patsy Presley, to whom he gave a great many things during the many years she worked in the offices at Graceland. Patsy ended up with a jewelry box of Elvis'', at Vernon''s insistence, and while there were some pieces that were obviously from fans, there were a good number of nicer jewelry pieces, as well. Elvis'' instructions about items sent by fans were specific: he wanted to see the bibles and the jewelry--pieces like the offered necklace checked both boxes, so to speak. The rosary necklace is accompanied by a letter from noted collector Tom Salva detailing his acquisition of the tie clip among other items he purchased from Patsy. The letter states,
The item listed and shown above has been in my personal Elvis Presley collection since 1988. I purchased this item, and many others, from Patsy Presley, Elvis Presley’s cousin who worked as secretary in the offices at Graceland for many years during Elvis’ career. The item was originally from a jewelry box from Elvis’ bedroom dresser. I purchased the jewelry box and all its contents from Patsy in 1988. While it didn’t contain any of Elvis’ ornate jewelry with diamonds and gold, etc., it did contain many rings, watches, money clips, cuff links, bracelets, pins and other items of this sort that were often gifted to Elvis by family, friends and even fans. Included below is a copy of the money order with which I purchased the items from Patsy Gambill (her married name at the time) as well as a color copy of the handwritten letter from Patsy, dated October 25, 1988, describing the jewelry box and what it meant to Elvis.
Also accompanying is a color copy of the original letter from Patsy Presley Gambill, as referenced in Tom''s letter. The crucifix pendant measures 1 1/2 x 1 inches, and the rosary measures 30 inches. Part of the center medal of the Virgin Mary has a piece broken off. Excellent to Mint condition.