A late 16th to early 17th century diamond ring, discovered by a metal detectorist in 2024. One of the star lots at Noonans« »Jewellery, Silver, & Objects of Vertu' auction. The auction took place in London on Tuesday. The two missing diamonds were recovered and included in the sale.
Its value is estimated between £15,000 and £20,000 ($20,000 to $27,000). It was purchased by a telephone bidder from the UK at Noonans« »Jewellery, Silver, & Objects of Vertu" auction on Tuesday.
The ring has a floral-shaped halo, with a row of eight «hogback» diamonds. The eight diamonds surround a central «rose-cut» diamond.
The «hogback» is an old, rectangular-shaped diamond cut. It is considered a precursor to the «baguette» cut, according to the International Antique Jewellers Association.
Although the shape is similar, the crest of the «hogback» is rounded rather than flat.
The underside of the bezel features a flower of turquoise and white enamel. Four-leaf flowers have been placed on the arms, while the base is engraved with spiral motifs and foliage.
The analysis showed that the gold is 19.2 karats, the standard established by King Edward I in 1300.
Stuart Jones, a 42-year-old metal detectorist from Solihull, found the ring in the village of Wormington, near Evesham, in Gloucestershire, about two years ago.
The spot where it was found was less than five miles from two significant manor houses that existed in the 16th century, as the auction house had previously pointed out.
The proceeds from the sale of the ring, which has not been declared a treasure, will be shared between Jones and the owner of the land.
Jones works as a welder-fabricator at Jaguar Land Rover in Solihull. He and his partner, Irene, have a two-year-old son, Leonardo. He said he was thrilled about the sale.
«The discovery of the ring in November 2024 was already a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But to see it achieve such a fantastic result at auction is beyond imagination,» he said.
«From the moment my detector found it, I knew I'd found something special. But I never expected the journey that would follow through the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS). That is, the treasure process and, ultimately, the auction.»
The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) is run by the British Museum and Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, with the aim of encouraging the recording of archaeological finds discovered by the public in England and Wales.
It supplements the Treasure Act 1996, which requires the public to report certain metal and prehistoric finds to UK authorities, thereby giving museums the opportunity to acquire them before the finder decides whether to keep or sell the item.
«The sale isn't just about the value of the ring; it's about the story behind it and the privilege of being the person who helped bring a significant piece of the past back into the spotlight. Knowing that a beautiful Tudor-era jewel, lost for centuries, is now cherished by collectors and enthusiasts is incredibly satisfying,» said Jones.
Continue by also thanking the landowner, PAS, and the auction house for their support.
«It was an unforgettable trip, which I will remember with love for the rest of my life,» he said.
The auction also featured 14 finds from metal detector users.
A gold memory ring with a memento mori skull motif, dedicated to the memory of Dr. Richard Busby (1606-1695), sold for £3,200 ($4,200), via a dealer bid. As its estimated value ranged between £2,000 and £3,000 ($2,600 to $3,900).
Inside the ring is the inscription «Ri Busby STP ob 5 Ap 95 aet 89» and it bears the double maker's mark «G» in a shield-shaped emblem.
Busby was headmaster of Westminster School from 1638 until his death.
Described as «the most famous tutor of his age,» his most notable students included the philosopher John Locke, the architect Christopher Wren, the playwright Robert Dryden, the diplomat Matthew Prior, the composer Henry Purcell, and the natural scientist Robert Hooke.
He is buried in Westminster Abbey.
Busby left money to friends in his will for the purchase of memory rings, a common practice at the time, according to Noonans.
Ninety rings with leafy motifs were purchased, of which 20 had a skull motif, according to Westminster records.
The ring that was auctioned was discovered by Amanda Parker, a metal detectorist, near Catforth, Lancashire in 2024. Parker and the landowner watched the auction online.
«I am very pleased with the result, it sold for slightly above the top estimate,» said Parker.
«I had never attended an auction before, it was very exciting, however I'm not sure what I'll do with the money, maybe I'll go on vacation!»
Source: nationaljeweler.com
