In a momentous event dedicated to celebrating hip-hop’s profound impact on art and culture, Sotheby’s is currently hosting its third sale, featuring a prized possession that carries both artistic and historical significance – Tupac Shakur’s gold, ruby, and diamond Crown Sovereign ring. This extraordinary piece, designed by the artist himself, is expected to fetch an impressive sum of $200,000 to $300,000, with online bidding continuing until July 25.
Tupac Shakur, known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, was an influential rapper whose untimely demise shocked the world. The ring holds significant ties to his life and career, as he was seen wearing it during his final public appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1996, just one week before his tragic murder in Las Vegas at the age of 25.
Commissioned in early 1996, shortly after his release from jail, the ring marked a momentous occasion in Tupac’s life and illustrious career. To commemorate this transformative phase, the rapper sought to create a symbol of his achievements and enlisted the help of his godmother, Yaasmyn Fula, to bring his vision to life. Working closely with New York jewellers, Fula ensured that the design aligned with Tupac’s specific requests and signified a coronation and rebirth for the beloved artist. The inscription on the outer, palm-facing side of the band, “Pac & Dada 1996,” references his engagement to Kidada Jones, adding an intimate and personal touch to the already precious heirloom.
The ring’s design was inspired by Tupac’s reading of Niccolo Machiavelli’s renowned political manifesto, The Prince, during incarceration. Drawing from the crowns donned by medieval kings, the ring became an “act of self-coronation,” as Fula describes it. A gold circlet, adorned with the three largest jewels in the piece, sits atop a diamond-encrusted gold band. The central cabochon ruby is flanked by two pavè-cut diamonds, exuding a regal aura befitting of a king. Symbolically tied to themes of royalty and wealth in cultural imagery, the ruby’s choice as the principal stone in the crown is a testament to Tupac’s artistic vision and significance.
With the ring adorning his finger alongside a pinky ring and bracelets, Tupac’s presence at the MTV Video Music Awards was unforgettable, leaving an unforgettable mark on the world of music and fashion. Now, as this treasured piece heads to Sotheby’s auction, it promises to captivate art enthusiasts and music lovers alike, offering a unique opportunity to own a tangible piece of hip-hop history and commemorate the legacy of one of the genre’s greatest pioneers.
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