A yellow-brown 10.75ct diamond ring, £53,000 at Fellows.
The yellow-brown 10.75ct diamond ring came for sale two years after it was offered at Bonhams in California. However, it took £53,000 against the estimate of £50,000-70,000.
The ring was worn by ‘Mr Show Business’ on many occasions. In March 1973, Davis Jr was invited to a White House reception which Nixon called ‘An Evening with Sammy Davis Jr‘. It was a historic event, not only a marvellous performance but the first time that an African-American family was invited to spend the night at the White House. Photos from the event show the ring on his little finger. He also wore it on his index finger during his tour of Europe in 1985.
Davis Jr was known for his extravagant and flamboyant jewellery that mirrored his larger-than-life persona. Much of his collection was sold by Bonhams in Los Angeles when this particular ring made $40,312 (estimate $7000-9000).
This time it was offered with an extensive photo album to boost its provenance as one of the performer’s favourite items of personal adornment.
