How did Elton John make a necklace from his kneecaps?

Elton John had his removed kneecaps from knee replacement surgery transformed into a necklace by jeweler Theo Fennell, who prepared the bone for setting.

What is special about Elton John's kneecap necklace?

The necklace features Elton John's own right kneecap and is engraved with a Latin phrase meaning 'I will no longer bow to any man.'

Has Elton John had other health issues?

Yes, Elton John has previously undergone surgeries for his appendix, prostate, and hips, and has managed Type 2 diabetes and a life-threatening infection.

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Elton John's Kneecaps: From Surgery to Statement Necklace

26 Jan

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Summary

Elton John transformed his kneecaps into a unique necklace after surgery.
Jeweler Theo Fennell carefully prepared the bone for this fashion accessory.
The necklace is engraved with a Latin phrase meaning 'I will no longer bow to any man.'

Elton John's Kneecaps: From Surgery to Statement Necklace

Elton John, the 78-year-old music icon, has unveiled a remarkable fashion statement fashioned from his own body. After undergoing a double knee replacement in 2024, John decided to keep his removed kneecaps, transforming them into a unique necklace.

He approached jeweler Theo Fennell, who described the intricate process of preparing bone for jewelry. This involved baking the kneecaps to dry them out, treating their porous surface, and then polishing them to create durable pieces. John proudly displayed a necklace containing his right patella, noting his surgeon called his knees the worst he had ever operated on.

The creation is more than just a relic of surgery; it bears a Latin inscription on the back that translates to 'I will no longer bow to any man.' This phrase adds a layer of personal defiance and symbolism to the unique piece, which John believes will endure for centuries.