Tupac’s gold ring now ‘most valuable hip-hop artifact ever sold at auction’

nypost.com:

drive-by shooting when he was 25 years old.Shakur’s godmother and trusted advisor Yaasmyn Fula offered the ring to Sotheby’s for purchase.

An inscription is engraved on the band that read: “Pac & Dada 1996.”This was in reference to his engagement to Quincy Jones’ daughter, Kidada, whom he was with for several months until his death.The custom ring was conceptualized by Fula after Shakur called her up in late 1995 to create a piece that would help signify the next step of his career.Both designed the band together, as Fula also helped connect the Death Row Records singer and New York jewelers to ensure that the ring was crafted to his specifications.The “Hit ‘Em Up” crooner was a fan of Italian Renaissance author Niccolo Machiavelli’s book “The Prince” after reading it during his jail time in 1995.

He was inspired by the historical figure to compose the regalia.Shakur — who also went by the moniker “Makaveli” — also wanted to model his ring after the crowns of the medieval kings of Europe in “an act of self-coronation,” according to Fula.The ring itself has a gold crown that is studded with three large jewels — a central cabochon ruby and two pavé-cut diamonds.

Shakur’s selection of the ruby as the primary stone in the crown area “is a continuation of this royal narrative, as rubies have long been symbolically tied to the imagery of monarchy and wealth in our cultural imagination,” Sotheby’s explained.The “Poetic Justice” alum was also recently posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on June 7, just nine days before what would have been his 52nd birthday.He received his star in the category of recording.The “All Eyes on Me” superstar’s sister, Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur paid tribute to him at the.