Jewelry has been a big part of hip-hop culture from the days of the gold dookie rope chain to bling, so when it came time to raise money for Russell Simmons' Rush Community Affairs, a coalition of the mogul's non-profit organizations, Simmons turned to Phillips de Pury and Company. The auction house has announced 'Hip Hop's Crown Jewels,' a hip-hop jewelry auction, which will take place on October 1 in New York.

Some of the items featured in the auction include Slick Rick's diamond-laced eye patch, MC Lyte's Nefertiti ring and necklace and Notorious B.I.G.'s yellow gold and stainless steel Rolex watch with diamond bezel. The sale will also feature personal -- and in some cases, never-before-seen -- pieces like Tupac Shakur's diamond, ruby and gold crown ring with "Pac & Dada 1996" engraved on the band. The ring symbolizes the romantic relationship between the late rap star and Quincy Jones' daughter Kidada Jones. Pieces by Diddy, Kanye West, Missy Elliott, 50 Cent, Nas, Pharrell Williams, LL Cool J and Biz Markie, to name a few, will be featured in the auction. An auction preview, which is open to the public, will take place September 22-30.