Sotheby’s to auction 2Pac's self-designed gold, ruby and diamond ring

A gold, ruby and diamond ring, designed by 2Pac and worn during his final performance, is set to be put up for auction by Sotheby’s — with the piece expected to fetch between $200,000 - $300,000.

The crown-shaped ring was designed to celebrate 2Pac's engagement to American actress Kidada Jones, and includes a carved message that reads: “Pac & Dada 1996.” The ring features a central cabochon ruby and two pave cut diamonds.

2Pac last wore the piece during the MTV Video music awards at Radio City Music Hall, New York, on September 4 1996. Three days later, the artist was shot in a drive by in Las Vegas.

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The ring is on offer from Yaasmyn Fula, who was the artist's godmother and one of his most trusted confidantes.

The online auction opens from July 18 to July 24, while members of the public can view the ring at a public exhibition at the auction house's New York HQ from July 20 to 24.

The auction is the third in Sotheby’s hip hop series which aims to celebrate the genre’s 50th birthday. The series involves original art, historic studio equipment, sneakers, jackets , archival flyers, posters and other rare artefacts.

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The auction spotlights the genre’s trailblazers to celebrate hip hops development from South Bronx in 1973 to today, with objects frim the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Ice-T and Afrika Islam, Fab 5 Freddy and Big Daddy Kane, amongst others.

Entertainment company Mass Appeal will also be joining forces and collaborating with Sotheby’s as part of this campaign.

The company has promoted their own hip hop 50 celebrations throughout the year, in the form of exhibitions, park jams and a Hip Hop 50 Live concert which saw Run DMC as headliners.

Tiffany Ibe is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Instagram