Lot 524

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Description:

Elvis Presley's Concert-Worn Black Star Sapphire Ring
Formerly from the collection of "Memphis Mafia" member Lamar Fike comes this "nugget" style gold ring with a 15-carat, black star sapphire set therein. This handsome, typical Elvis piece of jewelry was given by The King to Fike, his lifelong friend. As a member of the aforementioned "Memphis Mafia," (a nickname for Presley's inner circle of employees and friends), Fike's association with Elvis extended from 1956 until the singer's death in 1977. Fike relates in his letter of provenance that the ring, purchased by Presley in 1970 during one of his frequent visits to Thunderbird Jewelers in Las Vegas, was "one of his favorites." He notes: "...I was with him when we went over to the store one day. He had this ring on. While at the store, he saw and purchased a 23-carat black star sapphire. He then gave me the ring from his finger. The 23-carat ring was later given to Sammy Davis Jr. from the stage of the hotel." Presley's close relationship with Ron Nathan, the owner of Thunderbird Jewelers, is well documented. A color picture of Presley wearing the ring on September 4, 1972, during the final concert of a month-long engagement at the Las Vegas Hilton is included. Incidentally, after Elvis was drafted in 1958, Fike enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with Presley during his two-year stint in Germany. When he resumed touring in 1969, Fike became Presley's concert lighting director.

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October 22, 2009 2:00 PM EDT
Uncasville, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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