Elton John’s Natural Diamonds Are on Their Farewell Tour
The Rocketman‘s diamond jewelry went up for sale at Christie’s Auction House. Learn all about the most exciting jewelry lots from the Goodbye Peachtree Road sale.
Elton John poses with his Oscar for Best Original Song award for “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from Rocketman, during the 2020 Academy Awards. (Getty Images)
Christie’s has closed their latest auction, Goodbye Peachtree Road, which featured 200 jewelry lots from the personal collection of Sir Elton John, earning just over 20 million dollars. The Rocketman’s most famous diamond jewelry is available, like his “The Bitch is Back” pendant and Cartier dragonfly pin, two pieces as unique as the man who owned them.
Meet the Expert
- Tobias Kormind is a seasoned diamond expert with over 20 years of experience in the fine jewelry industry.
- He is co-founder and Managing Director of 77 Diamonds, one of Europe’s most prominent online diamond jewelers, offering access to approximately 80% of the world’s diamonds through a direct-to-consumer model.
Jewelry owned by famous figures is not only precious because of the ancient natural diamonds that adorn the pieces, but also because of the sentiment behind the pieces and their ownership, making them true heirlooms whose value will only increase over time.
Personal collections from those as famous and prolific as Elton John have typically seen much higher sales than the projected estimates due to their rarity. “‘In a celebrity sale of this caliber, provenance can sometimes be responsible for prices that skyrocket in an auction room,” explains Tobias Kormind, managing director of 77 Diamonds, Europe’s largest online diamond jeweler. “As seen with the Freddie Mercury auction at Sotheby’s last year, star memorabilia from an iconic and influential figure in music can easily exceed auction estimates when fans are eager to get their hands on jewelry and collectibles.”
Freddie Mercury’s onyx and diamond ring from Cartier sold for over 40 times the estimated sale price, and Kormind expects to see the same with Elton John’s pieces. “The highly personal nature of the ‘The Bitch Is Back’ pendant with Sir Elton John’s name engraved on the back means this particular piece could also see the selling price vastly exceed estimates,” he says.
Those watching the sale are excited about the many diamond-studded Cartier pieces on offer. One of those pieces is the Cartier dragonfly brooch. “[It] features different cuts of diamonds, including round, oval, and baguette-cut diamonds in a singular brooch which gives the piece a distinctive look,” says Kormind. “The piece is estimated to sell for between $20K to $30K; however, I believe that it could fetch $60k or more.”
Kormind thinks the number could be reached on the sale of the Cartier Elephant Bracelet. “Both these pieces have a unique design that speaks to the individuality of the wearer,” he says. After all, these aren’t just any Cartier animal pieces; they’re from Sir Elton John’s personal collection. “The animal motifs represented in them are timeless and never go out of style,” Kormind adds. “Moreover, the quality of gemstones used, and the fine craftsmanship and detailing on these jewels ensure they always remain sought after.”
Ahead, take a look at some of the most exciting natural diamond lots from the Goodbye Peachtree Road sale.
Elton John’s “The Bitch Is Back” Diamond Pendant
Rectangular pendant set with round natural diamond letters spelling “The Bitch Is Back,” the reverse engraved with a stylized “Elton John.” Estimated to sell for $20,000 – $40,000.
Sold for $32,760.
Elton John’s Diamond Dragonfly Brooch by Cartier
Round, oval, and baguette-cut diamonds line the 18K yellow gold wings and tail of this dragonfly brooch from Cartier, along with an oval-shaped cabochon sapphire and oval-shaped emeralds on the body. Estimated to sell for $20,000 – $30,000.
Sold for $44,100.
Elton John’s Diamond Elephant Bracelet by Cartier
A natural diamond-encrusted bracelet from Cartier featuring a family of elephants with emerald eyes. Estimated to sell for $20,000 to $30,000.
Sold for $37,800.
Elton John’s Versace Diamond and Gold Pendant
18K yellow gold necklace with round diamonds, signed Gianni Versace. Estimated to sell for $12,000 – $18,000.
Sold for $12,600.
Elton John’s Diamond Jabot Brooch by Cartier
An arrow Cartier brooch set with old mine-cut and single-cut diamonds set in platinum, circa 1925. Estimated to sell for $10,000 – $15,000.
Sold for $13,860.
Elton John’s “Arsehole” Pendant by Theo Fennel
This cheeky pendant features round natural diamonds set in 18k white gold with maker’s marks. Estimated to sell for $3,000 – $5,000.
Sold for $6,930.
Elton John’s Union Jack Pin by Asprey
Designed as a Union Jack flag in 2001, this signed Asprey pin features round and pear-shaped sapphires, rubies, and round diamonds set in 18k white gold, 2001. Estimated to sell for $1,000 – $1,500.
Sold for $23,940.
Elton John’s Diamond Skull Pendant by Loree Rodkin
A longtime lover of Loree Rodkin’s designs, this diamond and white gold skull pendant is a recognizable motif from the designer. Estimated to sell for $3,000 – $5,000 and sold for $7,560.
Sold for $7,560.
Elton John’s Aries Ring by Repossi
Round natural diamonds are designed to shape an Aries star sign, Sir Elton’s Zodiac sign, set in 18k blackened and white gold. Estimated to sell for $4,000 – $6,000 and sold for $6,300.
Sold for $6,300.
Elton John’s Black Diamond Heart Pendant by Shaun Leane
Round black and white natural diamonds cover this heart-shaped design by Shaun Leane with a total carat weight of 2.75 – 3.25 carats. Estimated to sell for $4,000 – $6,000.
Sold for $6,930.
Elton John’s Floral Brooch by Oscar Heyman
36 round natural diamonds sit front and center on this Oscar Heyman brooch, surrounded by round rubies along with Calibré-cut peridots and citrines. Estimated to sell for $6,000 – $8,000 and sold for $20,160.
Sold for $20,160.
Elton John’s “Bitch” Diamond Pendant Necklace
Round natural diamonds set in platinum spell out “BITCH” in this pendant necklace. Estimated to sell for $1,000 – $1,500 and sold for $16,280.
Sold for $16,380.
Elton John’s Diamond and Gold “EJ” Bracelet
Round natural diamonds spell out Sir Elton’s initials in this ID bracelet, set in 18K yellow gold. Estimated to sell for $2,000 – $3,000.
Sold for $16,380.
Elton John’s Diamond Scorpion Pendant by Theo Fennel
378 round black natural diamonds and 285 round white natural diamonds make up this unique pendant. Estimated to sell for $2,000 – $3,000.
Sold for $8,190.
