AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Vintage Patek Philippe From the ‘50s Sells for $4M at Sotheby’s AuctionsJun 18, 2025
16th-Century ‘Gresham Grasshopper’ Ring Sells for $56K
The historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.
It is believed that Tudor financier and merchant Sir Thomas Gresham gifted this ring to cloth merchant and liveryman Mark Warner.
London—At Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction, a signet ring from the 1500s sold for £42,000 ($56,460) against a pre-sale estimate of £10,000 to £15,000 ($13,550 to $20,330).
The ring was a highlight of the “Jewellery, Watches, Silver, and Objects of Vertu” sale, which took place June 17 in London.
It’s one in a series of rings that Tudor financier and merchant Sir Thomas Gresham (1519-1579), financial agent to four Tudor monarchs—Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary and Elizabeth I—gave as gifts to acquaintances and associates.
The heavy seal ring, circa 1560-1575, is carved with the coat of arms of Warner with the Gresham family crest, a green enameled grasshopper, engraved on the underside of the bezel.
It is believed to have been gifted from Gresham to Mark Warner of All Hallows, Lombard Street in London, a cloth merchant and liveryman of Drapers’ Company, according to the auction house.
Associate Director and Head of Jewellery at Noonans Frances Noble said the auction house was delighted with the result of the sale.
“It attracted international interest but ultimately sold to a U.K. buyer with underbidders including both trade and private collectors,” Noble said.
Related stories will be right here …
The ring was a highlight of the “Jewellery, Watches, Silver, and Objects of Vertu” sale, which took place June 17 in London.
It’s one in a series of rings that Tudor financier and merchant Sir Thomas Gresham (1519-1579), financial agent to four Tudor monarchs—Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary and Elizabeth I—gave as gifts to acquaintances and associates.
The heavy seal ring, circa 1560-1575, is carved with the coat of arms of Warner with the Gresham family crest, a green enameled grasshopper, engraved on the underside of the bezel.
It is believed to have been gifted from Gresham to Mark Warner of All Hallows, Lombard Street in London, a cloth merchant and liveryman of Drapers’ Company, according to the auction house.
Associate Director and Head of Jewellery at Noonans Frances Noble said the auction house was delighted with the result of the sale.
“It attracted international interest but ultimately sold to a U.K. buyer with underbidders including both trade and private collectors,” Noble said.
There are only 10 known “Gresham Grasshopper” rings, including the Warner ring. One is in the British Museum, a second is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, and a third is in St. Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff, Wales, with other examples in private collections.
The Warner ring, which was inherited through a private family from the 19th century, where it remained until circa 2010, is the first to be offered at auction for almost 50 years.
Warner and Gresham were both cloth merchants, involved in finance, and both residing and working on Lombard Street, making it highly likely their paths would have crossed.
However, Noble noted that, while notable historians have put forward theories, no particular event, common interest, or business venture can be established to link the various recipients of these rings.
Noble explained, “Although the rings could have been given by Gresham in thanks for past services, it seems more probable that those chosen to receive these expensive gifts were individuals whose future potential could be of benefit to Sir Thomas, the hidden grasshopper crest to the interior of each ring serving as a pertinent reminder as to where the recipient’s loyalties should lie.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJSThe discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.
SourcingMay 15, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone CuttersThe next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.
Weekly QuizMay 14, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in ViolenceWhile the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place StoreJack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond PaintingReena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackThe partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
