This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/27/2021
Offered is an Elvis Presley owned 14 karat yellow gold ring featuring 22 diamonds that he gifted to J.D. Sumner. The ring has 14 3-pt stones and 8 2-pt stones, with a total weight of 1.55 carats. The diamonds are framed within a gold rope setting atop nine graduated rounded gold bands on the shoulders. The ring, size 11 1/2, is stamped on the interior band “14K” and “EX” and comes with a copy of Mike Moon’s Certificate listing the offered ring as one of the items he purchased from J.D. Sumner on June 11, 1980. The ring is the first item listed as “14K gold ripple design ring with 22 inlaid diamonds in an oblong design.”
Elvis was known to purchase multiple pieces of jewelry at once, since he enjoyed wearing it as much as he did giving it away. One person that was often the recipient of his generosity was J.D. Sumner, his friend and the leader of the Stamps Quartet, Elvis’ backup band in the ’70s. J.D. and Elvis met over their mutual admiration of gospel music and enjoyed many years together creating music that has remained popular for generations.
Also included is a letter on “EP Archives” of Las Vegas, Nevada letterhead indicating that the offered ring was among the items purchased from the Mike Moon collection in 2018. The ring is referred to as a “stage ring” on the letter, but we cannot confirm that attribution. Mike Moon was the creator of a museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee dedicated to Elvis memorabilia. Mike Moon was inspired to collect after his good friend J.D. Sumner introduced him to Elvis backstage in the 1970s. It was during this meeting that Mike complimented Elvis on an accessory he was wearing and Elvis proceeded to give it to Mike. So touched by this generous gesture, Mike became passionate about collecting all things Elvis. The provenance of this handsome gold and diamond ring that was owned by Elvis, gifted to J.D and then sold to Mike Moon is solid in the transference of ownership from one friend to the next. The ring is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated (quoted here). The ring presents with minimal wear. Near Mint condition.