A rare funeral ring from the 17th century, discovered in a field by a metal detectorist, could sell for thousands of pounds at auction. The 333-year-old ring was found by Anthony Woolmington while scanning a pasture near Shillingstone, Dorset, in 2021.
At first, Anthony thought he had found a more modern piece of jewelry. However, after further inspection, experts confirmed it was a mourning ring dating back to 1692. The discovery has now led to the ring being valued at a significant price.
“I found the ring on what I believe was an old pathway running across the pasture,” Anthony said. “It was buried about 8 inches down in soft ground. At first, I thought it was modern, but we soon realized it was much older, likely from the 16th or 17th century.”
Mourning rings became popular after the English Reformation, especially in the 16th and 17th centuries, as a way to commemorate loved ones who had passed away. The ring is expected to fetch between $739 and $985, but it could go for a higher price at Hansons Auctioneers due to its historical rarity and beautiful design.
Despite its small weight of just 3.7 grams and its gold value of under £200, experts believe the ring’s unique history will make it highly desirable. Auctioneers initially mistook it for a regular 18-carat gold wedding band, but after closer examination, they confirmed it was a mourning ring.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said, “If only this ring could talk, we could learn so much about the life it commemorates.”
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