Auctions

300-Year-Old Ring With Ties to Witch Trial Judge Up for Auction

AuctionsFeb 28, 2025

300-Year-Old Ring With Ties to Witch Trial Judge Up for Auction

A metal detectorist uncovered the ring created in memory of Sir Richard Rainsford, who presided over some of England’s last witch trials.

Memorial ring for Sir Richard Rainsford
A ring created in memory of Sir Richard Rainsford, a judge who presided over some of the last witch trials held in England, is headed to auction at Noonans Mayfair in London. It will be part of the “Jewellery, Watches, and Objects of Vertu” auction on March 26. (Image courtesy of Noonans)
London—A man using a metal detector near Northampton, England, unearthed a more than 300-year-old ring that will soon head to auction at Noonans Mayfair in London.

In January 2020, Steve Pulley, who took up metal detecting more than 50 years ago, uncovered a ring from the 1680s in Brafield-on-the-Green, just outside of Northampton.

The piece turned out to be one of several memorial rings commissioned following the death of Sir Richard Rainsford, a judge who presided over some of the last witch trials held in England.

Rainsford (c. 1605–1680) served in several high-ranking positions throughout his life, including as a member of parliament in Northampton, according to the auction house.

Sir Richard Rainsford portrait
A portrait of Sir Richard Rainsford (Image courtesy of the Benchers of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn)


In April 1676, he was appointed chief justice of the king’s bench.

Frances Noble, head of the jewelry department at Noonans, described Rainsford’s role in the witch trials and how the memorial rings came to be.

“Whilst the hysteria about witchcraft of the early 17th century had passed, in [the] 1670s, the wealthy townspeople of Malmesbury in Wiltshire believed there was a powerful coven of witches in their midst,” said Noble.

Ten women and two men were charged with witchcraft, accused of bewitching and “lameing” a boy named Thomas Webb.

The local court dismissed charges against most of the accused, except for three women: Elizabeth Peacock, Judith Witchell, and Ann Tilling. They were sent to Salisbury to be judged by Rainsford, said Noble.

Peacock was acquitted, but Witchell and Tilling were sentenced to death and hanged in 1672.

Accusations of witchcraft, often made against poor, elderly women, reached their peak in England in the late 16th century, according to the U.K. Parliament’s website.

Between 1560 and 1700, 513 “witches” were put on trial, leading to 112 executions. The last known execution was in Devon in 1685, with the last formal witch trial held in Leicester in 1717.

It is believed that more than 500 people in England have been executed for witchcraft, as per the U.K. Parliament’s website.

As for Rainsford, he died at his family home of Dallington Hall in 1680. 

“As was common practice at the time, Sir Richard Rainsford specified in his will that money be put aside to commission memorial rings for his [female relatives] to wear in his memory,” said Noble. 

“The gold band ring bears a skull and crossbones [on] the exterior and the initials and date of death of Sir Rainsford engraved within.”
 
In his will he stated, “To my cousins Mrs. Wagstaffe, Mrs. Barry, and Mrs. Barnsley, forty shillings a piece to buy them rings in remembrance of me.”

For his three daughters-in-law, he stated that, “two further remembrance rings or plates were to be made with twenty pounds set aside.”

His will can be viewed at the National Archive in Kew.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Treasure hunter Pulley, who uses metal detecting as a way to stay fit in retirement, shared details of the find with the auction house.

Steve Pulley with metal detector
Steve Pulley, a metal detectorist and retiree from England, uncovered the historical ring in a field. (Image courtesy of Steve Pulley)


“I had been searching for a couple of hours when I got a good signal. I dug into the dark soil and was excited to see the deep, buttery gold of the ring revealed against the brown mud,” he said.

“I was surprised to see the image of a skull and crossbones on the ring looking up at me. I suspected there was an inscription on the inside of the band, but I didn’t reveal it until I got home and gently washed it under the tap. That’s when I saw the enigmatic and wonderful script.”

The inscription reads: “Richard Rainsford, Mile Nuper Cap Just De Banco Regis Obitus 17 Feb 80 Æt 76,” which translates to “Richard Rainsford, Knight, lately Chief Justice of the Court of the King’s Bench, Died 17th February 1680 aged 76.”

Richard Rainsford memorial ring
The memorial ring, seen here from different angles, is inscribed with Rainsford’s name, position, and date of death. (Image courtesy of Noonans)


Pulley wanted to find out who the ring belonged to, so he turned to an internet forum where he knew a member that was an expert in Latin.

“They were able to interpret the inscription, which revealed the rank and position of the owner, ‘Lord Chief Justice of the Royal Bench,’ along with the date of his death,” he said.

“It was then fairly straightforward to find someone with the initials ‘RR’ who held that position and died on the date shown. It was a bit of a detective hunt but as each clue was solved it was very satisfying.”

Pulley took the ring to the local Finds Officer, who reached out to a museum in Northampton and the British Museum.

After officials disclaimed the ring, it was returned to him.

“I will share the proceeds with the landowner and, with my portion, I hope to go on holiday to celebrate my 70th birthday,” he said.

The ring will be up for sale at Noonans “Jewellery, Watches, and Objects of Vertu” auction on March 26.

Its pre-sale estimate is £6,000 to £8,000 ($7,600 to $10,100).

Noonans has sold jewelry uncovered by retirees before, including a 17th-century gold seal ring and an 18th-century memento mori ring in March 2023.

The Latest

Woman with hands crossed wearing jewelry
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 Sales

The retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.

Jean-Christophe Bédos Birks
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps Down

Niccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.

Harry Winston Ginza Flagship Exterior, Interior
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in Japan

The three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

All Hours: Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry x Oak and Luna Campaign Imagery
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ Collab

The collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.

Weekly QuizAug 29, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Calvin Klein watch and jewelry campaign
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff Impact

CEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.

Mark Davis Bullseye Necklace
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace

The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Image #1_Resized.png
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and Coaching

Sponsored by Clientbook

GIA’s new report for lab-grown diamonds
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming

It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.

Botswana President Duma Boko
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales Slump

President Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.

Afton Robertson-Kanne Borsheims
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry Buyer

Former Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.

Sissy’s Log Cabin Back to School and Bling
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis Students

The jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.

Taylor Swift Engaged
EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond Cuts

The singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.

11,685-carat Imboo emerald
SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem Mine

Dubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.

Shopping cart
SurveysAug 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips in August Amid Job, Income Worries

Plans for dining out, booking vacations, and buying big-ticket items were down.

Mine + Found Play Collection Prize Bubble Locket, Whistle Pendent, Fortune Dice
CollectionsAug 27, 2025
Mined + Found’s New Collection Gets Playful

The “Play” collection centers on nostalgic toys that have kinetic elements to carry playfulness and wonder into adulthood.

CCWW lifesaver necklace
CollectionsAug 26, 2025
Does Your Jewelry Stack Need a Snack?

Designer Christina Puchi, the creative force behind CCWW Designs, has created charms and pendants based on iconic candies and crackers.

Nick Jonas x Fossil Campaign
WatchesAug 26, 2025
Nick Jonas Gets Nostalgic in New Fossil Campaign

The Jonas Brothers star showed off new timepieces against the backdrop of his favorite spots in his home state of New Jersey.

Wally Hinkamp and Donna Hinkamp Warren
IndependentsAug 26, 2025
Hinkamp Jewelers Celebrates 70 Years

The family-owned jeweler in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is in the hands of the second generation.

Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsAug 26, 2025
Back to School, Back to Style: Why August is Prime Time for Self-Gifting

In his latest column, Emmanuel Raheb shares tips for encouraging customers to treat themselves to new jewelry.

London Jewelers Rolex East Hampton Boutique Exterior
WatchesAug 25, 2025
London Jewelers Brings Rolex to Historic Hamptons Home

The new stand-alone Rolex boutique is housed in the former Odd Fellows Hall, a landmark built in 1897.

Madison Keys
CollectionsAug 25, 2025
Tennis Star Madison Keys Has the Perfect Necklace for the US Open

The Brilliant Earth ambassador co-designed a diamond medallion featuring meaningful symbols.

Marie Lichtenberg emerald and diamond locket on the 18-karat gold “Rosa” chain
TrendsAug 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: That’s a Wrap

Wrap jewelry is more than just a trend; it’s the perfect motif for the coming season of layering, scarves, and pumpkin spice.

WatchTime New York
WatchesAug 25, 2025
WatchTime NY Show Returns for 10th Anniversary Edition

The three-day watch collector show, coming this October, will feature 44 exhibiting brands, as well as a new dinner experience.

Sriram “Ram” Natarajan
GradingAug 22, 2025
Former Head of GIA India Promoted to Oversee Global Operations

Sriram “Ram” Natarajan is now GIA’s senior vice president of laboratory operations and is based out of the lab’s headquarters in Carlsbad.

Retrouvaí Diamond Vein Bond Collar
CollectionsAug 22, 2025
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s ‘Diamond Vein Bond’ Collar

The one-of-a-kind collar represents the beauty of imperfection and the strength to rebuild.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy