In pictures: Mobster memorabilia

Diamond-encrusted jewellery belonging to notorious mafia hitman Salvatore "Sammy The Bull" Gravano, is being auctioned on Saturday in Arizona. Pictures: Sierra Auction

Underboss Gravano broke his oath of silence in 1991 to help jail godfather John Gotti. After a time in a witness protection programme, he was imprisoned on drugs charges in 2001.

Mobsters were expected to dress the part, showing off their status in showy jewellery. Among the rings in the collection, are characteristic "pinkie" rings, worn on the little finger.

Brett Higgins of Sierra Auction, which is selling the jewels for the government, said people were enamoured with mobster memorabilia because of the hit TV show The Sopranos.

Donald Conrad, the prosecutor who sent Gravano back to jail, warned against glamorising the mafia. But he acknowledges "there is just something romantic for people about the mafia".

The collection, which includes jewels belonging to Gravano's ex-wife, has been valued at $100,000 (£50,000) but is expected to fetch much more because of the mob link.

Mafia wives have a penchant for big ornaments, but Debbie says she won't be bidding for her jewellery - such as this 42-diamond bracelet - which was seized a few years ago.

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