Only Elton John could turn one of life’s more painful experiences into glittering works of art. In the new World Gold Council documentary "Elton John – Touched by Gold," the legendary performer reveals how his surgically removed kneecaps were transformed into “timeless” jewelry pieces by London-based designer Theo Fennell.
The two-minute kneecap segment begins with John recounting his 2024 double knee replacement surgery. True to form, he couldn’t resist asking for an unconventional keepsake.
“I asked my surgeon if I could keep the kneecaps, which she was rather startled about,” John recalled. Once John had them in his possession, he called on Fennell, known for his bold and whimsical creations, with a simple instruction: “Do what you want with them.”
Fennell obliged in spectacular fashion. The bones were first “baked” to dry them out, leaving a porous, pumice-like texture. They were then reinforced with acetate, polished and finally mounted in gold. The right kneecap became a pendant necklace with a chain crafted from gilded bone, while the smaller left kneecap was turned into a brooch.
What might sound macabre at first quickly takes on deeper meaning in the 27-minute film. The necklace’s pendant bears a Latin inscription that reads, “I will no longer bow to any man.” John joked about the irony — without kneecaps, he literally cannot bow — but the phrase also reflects his defiant spirit and survival through countless challenges, both personal and professional.
Examining the finished pendant, John marveled at its resemblance to an ancient relic: “It looks like an old artifact from Egypt or something.” Fennell agreed, calling the pieces “talismanic,” objects that, in a thousand years, may still be instantly recognized as Elton John’s.
The “Rocket Man” singer has always been synonymous with sparkle, from his rhinestone-studded stage costumes to the dozens of gold records lining his walls. Gold, he reflected in the documentary, is eternal—ravishing, overwhelming and universally symbolic. By immortalizing his kneecaps in the precious metal, John found a way to transform pain into permanence.
“I honestly think these are timeless pieces that will last for centuries,” he said. True to his words, John even wore the necklace at the London premiere of his 2024 biopic Never Too Late.
In the end, the golden kneecaps are more than eccentric curiosities. They are a reminder of how jewelry — whether fashioned from gemstones, precious metals or even the unexpected — can embody personal history, resilience and a touch of irreverent glamor.
Check out the two-minute "kneecap jewelry" segment of "Elton John — Touched By Gold," starting at the 11:05 mark.
Credit: Elton John photo by Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Kneecap jewelry screen grab from "Elton John - Touched by Gold," via YouTube / World Gold Council.
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