The 1989 Jesus Piece: A Comprehensive Guide to Investment, Authenticity, and Legacy

The 1989 Jesus Piece is an iconic hip-hop pendant designed by Eric B. King and worn by some of the most influential rappers of the '80s and '90s, including The Notorious B.I.G., Tupac Shakur, and Jay-Z. Originally crafted for a Bronx drug dealer named Hector "Mac" Ramirez, the piece has become a symbol of wealth, power, and spirituality in the hip-hop community. In recent years, it has also gained significant value as a collectible, with pieces selling for millions of dollars at auction.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the history, authenticity, and investment potential of the 1989 Jesus Piece. We will provide step-by-step instructions on how to spot a fake and offer insights into the cultural legacy of this iconic piece of hip-hop jewelry.

History of the 1989 Jesus Piece

Eric B. King, a self-taught jeweler, created the first Jesus Piece in 1982 for his girlfriend. Inspired by a dream, King crafted the pendant out of 14-karat gold and adorned it with diamonds and rubies. Soon after, King's friend, the legendary rapper Flavor Flav, commissioned a similar piece, and the Jesus Piece quickly became a staple in the hip-hop world.

In 1989, King upgraded the design, adding more diamonds and a thicker gold setting, resulting in the now-iconic 1989 Jesus Piece. The piece was one of 15 created by King that year, and it is considered to be the most valuable and sought-after version of the pendant.

Authenticity of the 1989 Jesus Piece

Due to its high value, the 1989 Jesus Piece has become a target for counterfeiters. It is essential to know how to identify an authentic piece from a fake. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Weight: An authentic 1989 Jesus Piece weighs approximately 4 ounces. Counterfeit pieces may be lighter or heavier.
• Hallmark: All authentic 1989 Jesus Pieces are hallmarked "EBK", Eric B. King's initials, on the back.
• Diamonds: The diamonds on an authentic 1989 Jesus Piece are VS-clarity or better and well-cut. Counterfeit pieces may use lower-quality diamonds.
• Clasp: The clasp on an authentic 1989 Jesus Piece is a "cobra" clasp with "EBK" engraved on the inside.
• Certificate of Authenticity (COA): Every authentic 1989 Jesus Piece comes with a COA issued by Eric B. King.

Investment Potential of the 1989 Jesus Piece

The 1989 Jesus Piece has proven to be a lucrative investment for collectors. In recent years, pieces have sold for millions of dollars at auction. For example:

• In 2006, a 1989 Jesus Piece owned by The Notorious B.I.G. sold for $1.8 million at Sotheby's.
• In 2018, a 1989 Jesus Piece owned by Tupac Shakur sold for $2.3 million at Julien's Auctions.
• In 2022, a 1989 Jesus Piece owned by Jay-Z sold for a record-breaking $6 million at Sotheby's.

Factors that affect the value of a 1989 Jesus Piece include provenance, condition, and rarity. Pieces that have been owned by famous rappers or have been featured in iconic music videos or photographs tend to command higher prices.

How to Spot a Fake 1989 Jesus Piece

With the high value of the 1989 Jesus Piece comes a growing number of counterfeits. Here's a step-by-step approach to identifying a fake:

1. Examine the hallmark: Look for the "EBK" hallmark on the back of the pendant. Counterfeits may have a different hallmark or no hallmark at all.
2. Check the weight: Weigh the pendant. An authentic 1989 Jesus Piece should weigh approximately 4 ounces.
3. Inspect the diamonds: Use a jeweler's loupe to examine the diamonds. Authentic diamonds should be VS-clarity or better and well-cut.
4. Examine the clasp: The clasp on an authentic 1989 Jesus Piece should be a "cobra" clasp with "EBK" engraved on the inside.
5. Request a COA: Ask the seller for a COA issued by Eric B. King. Every authentic