These Retirees Discovered Auction-Worthy Antique Jewels
Noonans is hosting a jewelry auction later this month featuring two antique rings found by two retired men in the U.K.
He had dug a hole about 10 inches deep to plant a Ceanothus bush, also known as California lilacs, when he spotted a gold ring.
It turned out to be a 17th-century treasure, and it is headed to auction at Noonans in London this month.
“The ring dates from 1620 and very likely belonged to Humphrey Cockeram of Cullompton in Devon. The ring bears a seal with the coat of arms of the Cockeram family and the initials ‘H C’ behind,” said Nigel Mills, a consultant on artifacts and antiquities at Noonans.
Cockeram was recorded as head of the family in 1620 and lived at nearby Hillersdon Manor in the early 17th century, located about 42 miles east of where the ring was found.
The Cockeram family were patrons of the church, said Noonans, and their last name is derived from the old English word “Coccan,” which means “dweller by the stream.”
The flat oval bezel of the ring features a coat of arms, which includes a square-topped shield inscribed with three leopards’ heads and three fleur-de-lis.
Above the shield is a crest with an arm holding an anchor and a leaf design on either side. The entire design is encircled by a pellet border.
“I was very excited when I dug up the ring, which has now [been] recorded on the Portable Antiquities Database,” said McCaie, who didn’t realize what he had found at first.
The gold seal ring will head to the auction block as part of Noonans’ “Jewellery, watches, and objects of vertu” auction on March 14. It is estimated to sell for £8,000-£12,000 ($9,500-$14,300).
“We were amazed when Noonans told us the value and we are planning to use the proceeds from the sale to help our children,” said McCaie.
A decade after McCaie’s discovery, retired civil servant David Nicklin, then 65, found himself in a similar position.
In the Vale of Glamorgan in the southeastern part of Wales, Nicklin was out with a friend running a metal detector across a field that had been searched many times before.
This time, however, was different. The field had recently been deep plowed for the first time in about 40 years after a potato harvest.
With only one old farthing discovered, Nicklin was ready to head home until he uncovered a gold ring under three to four inches of soil.
It was a memento mori ring from the 1700s.
“The ring has a coffin-shaped rock crystal inset into the bezel and is dated on the inside 28th Jan 1730 with the name ‘eliz tucker aged 65’ and inscribed with ‘Memento Mori,’ which translates as ‘remember thy death,’” said Noonans consultant Mills.
“Worn on the little finger, they were a reminder to the wearer to live a life without sin as they will be held accountable in death. This was the height of fashion in the early 18th century,” he added.
As for the surname Tucker, it has its roots in the west of England, said Mills, and is another name for a fuller, or someone who cleans wool.
The ring, deemed to be in excellent condition, is expected to sell at the Noonans auction for £3,000-£4,000 ($3,500 to $4,700).
Because the ring is less than 300 years old, the U.K.’s Treasure Act does not classify it as treasure, and so it could be returned to Nicklin, though it was recorded with Swansea Museum.
“I have found a few gold rings in the past but nothing like this one,” said Nicklin, who has also found gold coins from the 1600s and Bronze Age weapons during his treasure hunts.
“I was over the moon although I didn’t realize its potential value. I hope the ring sells well as my wife is wanting to buy some new carpets with the proceeds,” he said.
The auction’s “early jewels” collection also includes a 12th-century ring and posy rings from the 15th through 18th centuries.
To learn more about the auction, visit Noonans’ website.
The Latest
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.