Elton John, the renowned musical icon, has taken a unique approach to commemorate his health journey by transforming his knee bones into an exquisite piece of jewelry. Following a double knee replacement in 2024, the 78-year-old singer decided to keep his kneecaps as a memento after they were removed during surgery.
In a documentary discussing the impact of gold in his life, Elton revealed, “When I had my kneecaps removed, I asked my surgeon if I could keep them, which he found quite surprising.” Upon receiving approval, he reached out to jewelry designer Theo Fennell to assist in crafting the bones into a fashionable accessory.
Fennell explained the intricate process involved in making the unique necklace, stating, “We had to bake the bones to dry them out, after which they become very porous, almost like pumice stone. We then painted them with acetate before polishing them up.” The final product is a stunning gold-framed necklace that features a fragment of Elton’s right kneecap. He shared, “My surgeon mentioned that I had the worst knees he’s ever operated on. This hole was actually in my kneecap, resembling something from ancient Egypt.”
Elton praised Fennell’s craftsmanship, highlighting the chain made of bones and expressing his belief that the piece is timeless. The back of the necklace features an engraved Latin phrase translating to “I will no longer bow to any man,” humorously noting that one cannot do so convincingly without a kneecap.
During the premiere of his biopic, “It’s Never Too Late,” Elton candidly discussed his numerous health challenges, stating, “I don’t have tonsils, adenoids, an appendix, a prostate, or knees anymore.” He emphasized his gratitude for the support he has received throughout his struggles, stating, “I’m still here because of you.”
Elton’s health history includes postponing tours due to appendicitis and living with Type 2 diabetes since the early 2000s, which required significant lifestyle changes. He has also faced prostate cancer, opting for surgery instead of chemotherapy, which led to serious complications and a near-fatal infection.
Despite the adversities he has encountered, Elton John’s resilience shines through, and his innovative perspective on using his past experiences to create art serves as a testament to his enduring spirit. His story not only highlights the challenges he faced but also showcases a creative and hopeful approach to embracing life’s changes.