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.”
More on Auctions
The Latest
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
