The'most precious hip-hop item ever at auction', Tupac Shakur's gold ring, sells for a record-breaking $ 1 million

 According to a press release from the auction house, the precious piece of jewelry is the "most valuable hip-hop artifact ever sold at auction" and the only item to be bought for more than $1 million.

The late "California Love" rapper's ring sold at the Sotheby's auction for more than treble its $300,000 estimate.

According to Cassandra Hatton, global head of science & popular culture at Sotheby's, "This one-of-a-kind, custom ring was meticulously designed by Pac and is among the results of his boundless creative energy — a unique artifact from a time that is a testament to his enduring influence on hip-hop."

The "Juice" actor wore the gold, ruby, and diamond finger ice at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards, only a few days before his murder on September 13 from a drive-by shooting. He was 25 years old at the time.

Yaasmyn Fula, Shakur's godmother and dependable advisor, made the ring available for sale to Sotheby's.

The band is etched with the words "Pac & Dada 1996."

He was engaged to Kidada Jones, the daughter of Quincy Jones, and they were together for a number of months before his passing.

Fula came up with the design for the unique ring after Shakur contacted her in late 1995 to develop a piece that would assist symbolize his next professional move.

Together, they created the band, and Fula assisted in establishing contact between the Death Row Records singer and New York jewelers so that the ring would be made in accordance with his requirements.

The Italian Renaissance writer Niccolo Machiavelli's book "The Prince," which he read while doing time in prison in 1995, became a favorite of the "Hit 'Em Up" singer. The historical character served as his inspiration when composing the regalia.

According to Fula, Shakur, who also went by the name "Makaveli," reportedly desired to model his ring after the crowns of the European kings of the Middle Ages as "an act of self-coronation."

The ring's gold crown is adorned with three sizable gems: a core cabochon ruby, two pavé-cut diamonds, and a diamond halo.

The choice of the ruby by Shakur as the main 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," according to Sotheby's.

 A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was also recently bestowed posthumously on the "Poetic Justice" actor on June 7, which was nine days before his 52nd birthday.

He was awarded a star in the recording category.

Sekyiwa "Set" Shakur, the sister of the "All Eyes on Me" superstar, paid tribute to him at the unveiling.

She passionately declared, "It fills my heart with honor to stand here today representing the Shakur family. I am the proud sister of Tupac Amaru Shakur, the daughter of Mutulu and Afeni Shakur.

She added that he would be appreciative of his admirers who came out to commemorate "the work and the passion that he has put into making his dreams come true." "Before anyone recognized his name, he knew he had the dream to have a star here on the Walk of Fame," she said.

"His heavenly star will shine just a little brighter today."