A stunning piece of Tudor-era jewelry possessed by one of the most powerful financial figures in the United Kingdom is about to go under the hammer. One of the famous “Gresham grasshopper” rings from the 16th century is up for sale at Noonans Mayfair tomorrow.
If our historical facts are correct, this specific item was presented by Thomas Gresham to Mark Warner, a London liveryman and trader for the Drapers’ Company. The jewelry director at Noonans, Frances Noble, predicts that the piece will be sold at $14,000 to $21,000. What’s more, it’s the first one to be seen by the public in half a century and the 10th known example of these pieces.
Photo courtesy of Noonans Mayfair.
The coat of arms of the Warner family is enhanced by a foil. The Gresham family crest is hidden on the underside, which is placed in a gold mounting. As you can see, it’s a detailed picture of a green grasshopper made in delicate enamel.
Jewelry collectors know that such rings were made between 1560 and 1576, and Gresham gave these pieces only to close friends and acquaintances. The reasons for creating this jewelry are still somewhat unclear. As Noble clarified, “Recipients were probably selected based on how beneficial their future standing was to Gresham’s interests. The grasshopper emblem might have acted as a clear reminder of where their allegiances should stay.”
Other well-known examples of these pieces are found at places like the British Museum. Several of them are still in people’s collections. There are now 10 known such rings in total thanks to the recently discovered one.
Sir Thomas Gresham was born in a well-off family of a trader and received an education in finance. He began a career that took him on business trips to Antwerp, a huge European trade hub of that time, after completing training and becoming a liveryman at the age of 25.
Gresham’s reputation allowed him to work as an economic agent for the Crown. He was the one to arrange foreign financing during the reigns of Henry VIII and other monarchs. Thus, his businesses were incredibly successful, leading to the establishment of London’s Royal Exchange.
The ring’s recipient, Mark Warner, lived in a busy trade district in 16th-century London, and also had a professional background in clothing and sales. Because of the high risks related to maritime trade of that time, merchants tended to unite their investments and share liability for losses. Although Warner and Gresham weren’t directly connected by any particular agreement that we know of, their similar occupations and standing among London’s merchants make such a connection plausible.
The auction house states that for the last two centuries, the Warner ring was owned by just one family. Thus, the auction offers a unique opportunity to purchase a real piece of England’s heritage for those fascinated with Tudor history and rare historic jewelry. You can also visit an official page to complete a registration form if you want to participate in the sale.
