UPDATE: This description was revised to clarify that this brooch (referred to as a secondary piece) was stage worn by Prince during a rehearsal session for the final AMA event. It was determined to lack sufficient visibility so was replaced by a larger brooch (auction lot 8002) that was worn by Prince during the actual AMA show.
Prince's stage-worn "secondary" brooch from his performance of 'Purple Rain' at the 1985 American Music Awards on January 28, 1985. The snowflake-shaped brooch measures 1.5″ in diameter and features a gold-tone setting encrusted with opalescent magenta stones. Prince initially wore this as part of the ensemble highlighted by a green, blue, and gold suit for his performance at the 1985 AMAs, during which he took the stage with the Revolution to perform the mega-hit 'Purple Rain.' In 2017, Billboard hailed it as 'the most iconic performance in the show’s 45-year history.' In very good to fine condition, with one of the points broken off and absent.
A larger brooch (auction lot 8002) took the place of this brooch and became the one that was stage-worn by Prince at the actual AMA event. The larger brooch was selected as the "main" lapel accessory based on it being of greater visibility.
Consignor notes that this was acquired directly from Prince's Purple Rain wardrobe designer, and that the brooch was personally chosen by Prince for his 1985 American Music Awards performance; the jewelry was subsequently kept by the wardrobe designer as a sentimentally important piece. In addition to his memorable performance of 'Purple Rain,' Prince won three awards at the 1985 AMAs: 'Favorite Pop/Rock Album' (Purple Rain), 'Favorite Soul/R&B Album' (Purple Rain), and 'Favorite Soul/R&B Song' ('When Doves Cry').
The Prince Estate is not affiliated, associated, or connected with RR Auction or this auction, nor has it endorsed, authenticated or sponsored the items available for auction. Further, The Prince Estate has not licensed any of its intellectual property to RR Auction.
