Five years ago, in September 1988, Elton John had a most remarkable sale at Sotheby's encompassing some of his earliest passions. The collection included 'Rock and Roll' memorabilia, 1920's and 1930's decorative arts, 20th Century paintings which included works by Magritte and Lowry, as well as jewellery, furniture and some of Elton's fabulous costumes. As I predicted in the preface of the 1988 sale, 'Elton, the collector, will start again.' I was right.

Since 1988 he has continued his enthusiasm for collecting in different fields. He loves the paintings, pottery and porcelain of the 18th and 19th Century. This has in no way diminished his interest in jewellery. As Elton himself has said 'Collecting is my passion. I love wearing my jewellery and I can't stop buying more and more.'

The jewels in this sale illustrate both his sense of style, his appreciation of fine quality and his gift of not taking himself too seriously.

Signed, The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Gowrie, Chairman Sotheby's Europe