One gentleman’s white gold and diamond ring, set with four (4) near colorless round brilliant cut diamonds, total weight approximately 1.00 carats, and ten (10) irradiated blue square princess cut diamonds, total weight approximately 1.50 carats.
“An extraordinary piece of music history,” says James Egge, auctioneer at Karats by Auction House (KaratsAuctions.com), located in Edina, Minnesota, just south of Minneapolis. “This custom-made diamond ring was personally owned by the legendary Johnny Cash.”
Appraiser’s Note:
This exceptional piece is unmistakably reflective of Johnny Cash’s late-career style—bold, refined, and intentionally modern. The presence of both white and irradiated blue diamonds set into heavy 14k white gold speaks to a custom design likely acquired for private wear rather than stage use. The square profile and gemstone layout are consistent with 1980s men’s high-end fashion rings and strongly indicate boutique or designer-level craftsmanship.
Auction Estimate: $20,000 – $40,000+
(based on other jewelry sold that belonged to Johnny Cash and other similar auction records. Also based on public and private market results for similarly customized rings belonging to celebrities of equivalent stature, particularly when paired with such ironclad provenance.)
Provenance
Purchased directly from June Carter Cash at the “House of Cash” on June 12, 1982, and belonged to that owner until the time of her passing in January of 2025. Identified by Cindy Cash [June’s step-daughter] and accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity (COA). An exceptional item for any collector or admirer of one of America’s greatest musical legends.
“That one (Lot #2) was custom made for Johnny by a jeweler he liked in Nashville, Tennessee,” says Egge. “I don’t have the exact date on the day it was created, but it did sell to an estate in 1982.”
June Carter Cash sold that and another ring to a woman who had recently passed away in January, in Minnesota. The estate sold the two rings, the Johnny Cash diamond ring, Lot #2, and Lot #3, a ruby and diamond ring previously owned and worn by June.
Own an exquisite and deeply personal treasure from country music royalty. This stunning custom-made ring, personally owned by beloved music legend June Carter Cash, is beautifully crafted in a distinctive blend of 14k white and rose gold. The intricate, sculptural design gracefully showcases a dazzling round brilliant-cut natural diamond, accented elegantly by five vivid, round-cut natural rubies arranged in a graceful arc, symbolizing June’s timeless elegance and artistic style.
Adding to the provenance is an authentic handwritten note by June Carter Cash herself, confirming this ring as part of her private jewelry collection, further enhancing its historical significance and emotional connection.
Auction Estimate: $8,000–$12,000
Provenance: Includes original handwritten note from June Carter Cash and original Sales Receipt, authenticating the ring as part of her personal collection. This was owned by the same lady until her passing in January of 2025.
Photo by Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean
“Johnny’s ring, Lot #2, came with a bill of sale,” says Egge. He reached out to the family, both Cindy and Tara Cash, who were helpful in verifying the provenance of both rings.
According to the family, Johnny Cash had a lot of rings. “They kept most of the fine jewelry in the family,” says Egge, “and so it’s rare for one of his rings to come up for sale.”
“He was a very, very simple guy, but every once in a while, he’d splurge and get something nice, wear it a few times, and then it would sit in a jewelry cabinet.”
As for the family who owned the rings, Egge notes that “they were from a prestigious family that lived in Alexandria, Minnesota,” northwest of Minneapolis. Egge also noted that, according to Cindy Cash, it would not have been “normal” for any of the family jewelry to have been available for sale at the “House of Cash,” a little antique shop that June had. They must have been friends for that transaction to take place.
The House of Cash was a museum in Hendersonville, Tennessee, owned by American musician Johnny Cash and his wife June Carter Cash, and devoted to his life and work. With part of the building also used as their headquarters offices, the museum opened in 1970, adapted from a dinner theatre built in 1960. It closed by 1995.[1] It was located at 700 East Main Street (now known as Johnny Cash Parkway).
The House of Cash Building, as it is now known, was originally built in 1960 and served as the Plantation Dinner Theatre. The theatre featured table seating in-the-round for guests while performers were lowered via a large elevator to the stage in the center of the room. The second floor of the building served as dressing rooms and prop storage.
In 1970, legendary country music icon Johnny Cash and his wife June Carter Cash, purchased the theatre and completed some minor renovations. The building served as the headquarters for House of Cash Inc., which managed the business affairs of the two country music legends.
In 1980, the Cash family purchased the Amqui Train Station in Madison, TN and had it moved to the property where June Carter ran an antique store for over 10 years.
The House of Cash served Johnny and June as their global business headquarters for the remainder of their lives.
“So, from what I can gather,” says Egge, “putting the pieces together, they became friends, got to talking about jewelry, and then it was, here, I have something I want to show you… kind of a conversation, that would have occurred.” It wouldn’t have been something that just anybody could just walk in off the street and purchase.
James Egge not only operates fine jewelry auctions, but also owns and operates both a retail and wholesale jewelry shop.
