Evel Knievel’s Papal Jewels Head To Ebay
By Diana Cook
Diamond studded jewels once owned by both the Pope and Evel Knievel are set to go on the auction block. Nearly 50 years ago, Pope Paul VI gave the set to the United Nations. The Pontiff donated the ring and cross with the intention of having them auctioned off for the benefit of several charities.
They were bought in 1967 for $64,000 by Chicago jeweler Harry Levinson, with the money being split among four UN agencies. They’ve changed hands several different times since then, at one point belonging to snake canyon jumping daredevil Evel Knievel.
Following ownership by Knievel, the ring and cross were purchased by the late husband of the North Carolina widow who has decided to sell them. The items recently turned up at Perry’s Emporium, a jewelry store in North Carolina. Store owner Alan Perry, thinks the items might fetch $800,000 to $900,000 at auction. “That’s why we’re going to put it up on eBay. It’s only worth what someone’s willing to pay for it, and eBay might be a good measure to see if people are interested.”
[via yahoo]
