Recognised as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century, Elvis Presley remains as the best selling solo artist of all time – with sales estimates ranging from 600 million to 1 billion sales, he has been inducted into five music halls of fame.
Though it wasn’t just the icon’s universal appeal and magical radiance that shone from him – so did his jewellery.
The King of Rock and Roll was known for wearing an abundance of lavish jewels during his concerts – from diamond cross pendants hung on heavy gold chains, to huge rings that featured rubies, sapphires and emeralds.
To celebrate what would have been the King’s 88th birthday on 8th January 2023, jewellery experts at Steven Stone have taken a close look at one of his most iconic rings.
What do we know about the ring?
Designed according to the singer’s specifications by his personal jeweller Lowell Hays Jr, the chunky ring is said to be the most significant and well-documented piece of Elvis’ jewellery collection in existence.
The gold and diamond piece is made of 14 karat yellow gold and features a 7.56 carat centre diamond, surrounded by diamond accents that total 2.25 carats.
Just below the centre stone are the diamond-set letters ‘T,’ ‘C’ and ‘B’.
Elvis gifted the ring to his friend and backup vocalist J.D. Sumner – lead singer of Sumner & The Stamps – on stage at a concert in Asheville, North Carolina in 1975.
Audio of the concert recently sufficed in which Elvis can be heard referring to the ring as the first of numerous ‘TCB’ pieces, stating it to have cost him $40,000 that same year.
What does ‘TCB’ stand for?
‘TCB’ stands for ‘Taking Care of Business’ – the mantra that Elvis adopted when he returned to the concert circuit in 1969.
The ring was the first of many pieces of ‘TCB’ jewellery that Elvis had made by Lowell Hays Jr.
“Elvis wore some significant jewellery, but his ‘TCB’ ring is definitely one of his most impressive pieces!
Made of 14 karat yellow gold, the bold piece boasts around 10 carats worth of diamonds and features the diamond-set letters ‘T’, ‘C’ and ‘B’ – a unique touch that references the ‘Taking Care of Business’ mantra that Elvis adopted when he returned to the concert circuit in 1969.
While it’s hard to put a price on a historic piece like this, extravagant piece like this, I’d estimate it to be worth $500,000. This is slightly more than it sold for at auction in 2020 and a staggering $460,000 more than it cost Elvis in 1975.”
maxwell stone, diamond expert, steven stone
Where is the ring now?
J.D Sumner kept the ring until the 1980s when he gifted it to Mike Moon – the founder of the Elvis Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
The ring sat in Mike’s collection until it was auctioned as part of Kruse GWS Auctions’ sale of Hollywood and music memorabilia in 2020.
It attracted 31 bids and was sold for $440,625, making it the highest grossing lot in the sale. It was also deemed to be the most expensive ring once owned by Elvis Presley ever sold at an auction – a record that previously belonged to a horseshoe shaped ring that was sold at $204,800.
If you’re looking for some jewellery inspiration, why not take a look at our full collection? Whether you’re after a necklace or some diamond earrings, we’ve got you covered. We also have a vast range of engagement and wedding rings.
If you don’t see anything that takes your fancy, we also offer a bespoke service, where our designers will create a unique piece of jewellery that ticks all the boxes.
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