16th-Century ‘Gresham Grasshopper’ Ring Sells for $56K
The historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.

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.”
The Latest

Smith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.

Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.

Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.


Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.

Two men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

The “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.

The brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.

She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.

Move over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.

The New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.

The “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.

Holiday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.

Jamie Turner Designs is among the winners of the local “Austin Shines” contest, hosted by Eliza Page, a jewelry store in Austin, Texas.

The red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.

A trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.

Botswana’s president said his country wants a controlling share, while Angola envisions multiple countries holding minority stakes.

The manufacturer is adding 1,400 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to its growing facility in India.

The jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.

The Scarsdale, New York-based jeweler donated a professional-grade watch cleaning machine.

The 50 percent tariffs on diamonds shipped from India to the U.S. have pushed midstream manufacturers to the edge.

De Beers’ refreshed, multipronged approach, which includes generic promotions and retail partnerships, is delivering positive dividends.
They are trying to balance the need to sustain well-established relationships with the pressure higher tariffs have put on margins.

Jewelry manufacturer Jewelex has partnered with JOSH, an industry training center, on a program for people with disabilities.

The collection includes pieces dating back to the Victorian and Art Deco periods as well as mid-century and late 20th-century designs.