Hip Hop's Crown Jewels

alright, so I've changed my mind. it happens even to the best of us. after seeing these three pieces below, and reading a more detailed and sophisticated press release, this is actually looking to be quite an event. in all honestly, don't be surprised if you see pictures of my poor ass at the auction.

a few paragraphs taken from the official press release (available through URL below):

In hip hop’s evolution from the Bronx to the boardrooms of Madison Avenue and the catwalks of Paris, hip hop has always aspired to and celebrated the trappings of the “Good Life”. Pieces such as Sean Diddy Comb’s Princess and Baguette Cut Diamond and Platinum Bracelet embody the boom, says Minya Oh: “Sean Diddy Combs personifies hip hop’s bling lifestyle. He’s elevated ‘ghetto fabulousness’ and ‘urban luxury’ into public theater.”

Contemporary artists now pay homage to their hip hop forefathers by embracing the early motifs of hip hop jewelry such as the Gucci link and Dookie rope, but remix the styles to reflect the multi-billion dollar market that hip hop now commands. One example of this tribute included in the sale is Pharrell Williams’ Gucci Link Necklace, with its oversized links dipped in pink, yellow and blue multicolored pave diamonds.

These extraordinary artifacts feature the iconic motifs and visual hallmarks of hip-hop: the Turntable and Microphone; the Dollar Sign and Crown; the Gucci Link and Dookie Chain; images of Jesus and Nefertiti. Together, this constellation of signs and symbols wrought in gold, platinum and diamonds presents not only a rich portrait of hip hop culture, but also its vital international contributions to art, music and fashion.

The “Hip Hop’s Crown Jewels” auction catalogue will also be available in limited-quantity prior to the October 1 sale. This beautiful document includes significant contributions from Simon de Pury and Russell Simmons and promises to be a valuable addition to hip hop history.

http://www.phillipsdepury.com/media/113721/hip_hop_oct_pr_7_30.pdf