In a remarkable fusion of personal history and high fashion, music icon Elton John has revealed how he transformed his own surgically removed kneecaps into priceless jewellery. The 78-year-old singer, known for his flamboyant style and decades-long career, underwent a double knee replacement procedure in 2024 and made an unusual request to his surgeon.
The Unusual Request That Started It All
Speaking in a documentary about gold's influence on his life, Elton John recounted the moment that led to this unique creation. "When I had my kneecaps removed, the left one first and then the right, I asked my surgeon if I could keep the kneecaps, which he was rather startled about," the musician explained. This unconventional request marked the beginning of a jewellery project unlike any other.
From Medical Procedure to Fashion Statement
Elton John then contacted renowned jewellery designer Theo Fennell to help transform his biological remains into wearable art. Fennell described the intricate process required to convert human bone into jewellery. "We had to bake them to dry them out," Fennell revealed. "Then they get raw like pumice stone, they're very porous, and so we had to paint them with acetate and then just polish them up."
The resulting piece features a fragment of bone from Elton's right patella encased in a gold frame, suspended from a chain that Fennell "brilliantly had made out of bones." Displaying the necklace, Elton noted: "My right kneecap. That's my right patella. My surgeon said I had the worst knees he's ever operated on."
Symbolism and Personal Meaning
The back of the distinctive necklace bears a Latin engraving that translates to: "I will no longer bow to any man." Fennell humorously remarked about this choice: "Which of course you can't do with a kneecap missing." Elton himself praised the craftsmanship, stating: "I honestly think these are timeless pieces that will last for centuries."
The singer first publicly wore this deeply personal accessory at the European premiere of 'Never Too Late' in October 2024, showcasing his continued commitment to unique fashion statements despite his age and health challenges.
A History of Health Battles
This kneecap jewellery represents just one chapter in Elton John's extensive medical history. At the premiere of his biopic 'It's Never Too Late,' he reflected: "I don't have tonsils, adenoids or an appendix. I don't have a prostate. I don't have a right hip or a left knee or a right knee. In fact, the only thing left to me is my left hip. But I'm still here."
The music legend's health journey has been particularly challenging. In 2013, he postponed tour dates due to appendicitis, with a spokesperson noting he made "superhuman efforts" to perform despite being unwell. He later underwent surgery to have his appendix removed.
Elton has lived with Type 2 diabetes since the early 2000s, which forced significant dietary changes. "I can have an apple, I can eat a bit of melon," he once explained. "As long as you're sensible about it, it doesn't shoot your blood sugar up. But what I crave is chocolate and ice cream, I can't have any ice cream."
Surviving Life-Threatening Challenges
Perhaps most dramatically, Elton John faced prostate cancer in 2017, opting for surgery over chemotherapy to minimise emotional impact on his family. The procedure led to serious complications that nearly proved fatal. In his memoir 'Me, Elton,' he revealed he was just "24 hours from death" after contracting a rare infection.
Recalling this harrowing experience, he wrote: "In the hospital, alone at the dead of night, I'd prayed: please don't let me die, please let me see my kids again, please give me a little longer."
Against this backdrop of medical challenges, the kneecap necklace represents more than just fashion - it stands as a tangible symbol of survival, resilience, and the transformation of physical vulnerability into artistic strength. The piece embodies Elton John's remarkable ability to turn personal adversity into creative expression, maintaining his distinctive style while acknowledging the physical journey that has accompanied his legendary career.
