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.”
The Latest
EditorsJun 18, 2025
Q&A: Caryl Capeci Dives Into Cruise Jewelry ShoppingThe Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.
CollectionsJun 18, 2025
Kirk Kara Celebrates 135 Years With New JewelsTo mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.
SourcingJun 18, 2025
Gemfields Sells 36-Carat Rough RubyThe gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
TechnologyJun 18, 2025
Alex Brown Named President of Smithee GroupFounder and longtime CEO Ben Smithee will stay with the agency, transitioning into the role of founding partner and strategic advisor.
Weekly QuizJun 12, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJun 17, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 1Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 of her favorite pieces from the jewelry collections that debuted at Couture.
ColumnistsJun 17, 2025
Peter Smith: Is Your Comp Plan a Hiring Hindrance?If you want to attract good salespeople and generate a stream of “sleeping money” for your jewelry store, then you are going to have to pay.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Amanda Gizzi Gets a Promotion at JAGizzi, who has been in the industry since 2001, is now Jewelers of America’s senior vice president of corporate affairs.
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Kering Names Automotive Exec as Its New CEOLuca de Meo, a 30-year veteran of the auto industry, will succeed longtime CEO François-Henri Pinault.
EditorsJun 16, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Mining, Tariffs, and the Energy of Las VegasFollowing visits to Vegas and New York, Botswana’s minerals minister sat down with Michelle Graff to discuss the state of the diamond market.
IndependentsJun 16, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Commitment Campaign Celebrating LGBTQ+ CouplesThe “Your Love Has the Perfect Ring” campaign showcases the strength of love and need for inclusivity and representation, the jeweler said.
MajorsJun 16, 2025
Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos Joins Tiffany & Co.The former De Beers executive is the jewelry house’s new director of high jewelry for the Americas.
MajorsJun 16, 2025
Catbird Names WNBA Star Nyara Sabally as Its New Brand AmbassadorThe New York Liberty forward is the first athlete to represent the Brooklyn-based jewelry brand.
CollectionsJun 13, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s Pear EarringsTake a bite out of the 14-karat yellow gold “Fruits of Love Pear” earrings featuring peridots, diamond stems, and tsavorite leaves.
Events & AwardsJun 13, 2025
AGA to Host ‘Diamonds From Mine to Market’ Education ConferenceThe one-day virtual event will feature speakers from De Beers, GIA, and Gemworld International.
EditorsJun 12, 2025
15 Questions With Jewelry Photographer Ella SophieThe California-based creative talks jewelry photography in the modern era and tackles FAQs about working with a pro for the first time.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2025
Gabriel Love Foundation Introduces Scholarship Honoring Elias GabrielThe foundation has also expanded its “Stronger Together” initiative with Jewelers for Children.
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Former De Beers Exec Celine Assimon Joins BonhamsAssimon is the auction house’s new chief commercial officer.
EditorsJun 11, 2025
Q&A: Al Cook on Differentiating Natural Diamonds, Traceability, and TariffsThe De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”
MajorsJun 11, 2025
Pandora Bets on Las Vegas for First North American FlagshipThe Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.
GradingJun 11, 2025
Tiffany Stevens Exits IGI, Lab Appoints New Board LeaderIndustry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.
Events & AwardsJun 11, 2025
Kering Announces Winners of Sustainability-Focused AwardThe winners of the inaugural “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” are student Lee Min Seo and China-based startup Ianyan.
SourcingJun 10, 2025
De Beers Turns to Brown, Yellow Diamonds for New ‘Beacon’“Ombré Desert Diamonds” will emphasize cream-, champagne-, and brown-colored diamonds, shades that set natural stones apart from lab grown.
AuctionsJun 10, 2025
Noonans to Auction 16th-Century Signet RingIt's one of the “Gresham grasshopper” rings English financier Sir Thomas Gresham was known to gift to acquaintances or business associates.
CollectionsJun 10, 2025
Tabayer Names Mary Chiam as CEOThe brand also debuted its new “Zorae” collection featuring a talisman of protection and harmony inspired by a sheaf of wheat.
MajorsJun 10, 2025
Lauren Johansen Joins Loudr As Loudr’s new account manager, Johansen will partner with clients to craft and execute marketing strategies.
