Elvis Presley's Most Expensive Love Affair

Of Elvis Presley’s many public love affairs, it seems the one most flaunted – and expensive – was the king’s obsession with over-the-top statement jewelry.

Growing up poor in Tupelo, Mississippi, when Presley pursued a career in music and finally made it big, he was not shy about making up for lost financial time. Presley’s penchant for the finer things began with his Memphis estate and progressed into cars, clothing, private jets, and flashy jewelry. At the time, while it was not uncommon for Hollywood legends such as Elizabeth Taylor to flaunt their jewels to movie premiers and in photo shoots, Presley normalized this image for rock stars and skyrocketed his image into icon status with the help of his bold accessorizing – specifically during his infamous Las Vegas residency at the International Hotel.

Presley’s impressive collection included statement gold and diamond encrusted rings, large pendant necklaces, religious-themed pieces, pins, cufflinks, and even included pieces Presley designed himself (which included TCB – “Taking Care of Business” – rings and necklaces).

Among the past highlights sold at Julien’s Auctions from Presley’s personal collection, is a 14k gold “E.P.” medallion necklace with two .30 carat diamonds used for punctuation, on a gold chain given to Presley on-stage at the Las Vegas Hilton in 1974 by Janus Mays, a jewelry maker and fan; and a turquoise bracelet from the Presley’s personal jewelry box.

But despite his big spending habits on personal possessions, Presley was known as an extremely giving person, and, on many occasions gifted his close friends and colleagues treasures we’ve had the pleasure of offering – such as a circa 1970s 14K Gold "TCB" pendant necklace given to the singer's close friend, Cliff Gleaves.

Be on the lookout for more pieces from Presley’s personal collection up for sale in our upcoming Music Icons auction this November!