Charles I ring

Fellows’ Antique & Modern Jewellery sale featured a 17^th century Stuart crystal memorial portrait ring, depicting Charles I. The ring entered to sale with an estimate of £1,200 – £1,800, and sold for a full price of £4,083.20 (including fees). The central portrait of Charles I sits protected beneath rock crystal. The ring featured as Lot 504 in the auction on Thursday 6^th December.

Charles I became heir following the death of his brother, Henry, in 1612. He then became king in 1625. A controversial figure who appeared to lack leadership, the tenure of Charles I resulted in the outbreak of civil war. The king himself was eventually executed following a lengthy war against Oliver Cromwell’s parliamentarians. Charles was beheaded in Whitehall on 30^th January 1649, and he was buried at Windsor Castle on 9^th February, following the refusal to lay him to rest at Westminster Abbey.

The execution of Charles I prompted the emergence of memorial jewellery in Puritan England, with loyal Royalist supporters wearing jewellery set with a secret inscription or image to mourn their deceased king. Memorial jewellery differed from memento mori styles in that it commemorated a particular person.

17th century Charles I Stuart crystal ring

In December 2018 the ring sold for £4,083.20 (including fees).

Alex Duffy, Jewellery Specialist from Fellows Auctioneers, said: “Royalist mementos such as this are few and far between, so it is a pleasure to be able to offer one up for sale.The naively painted portrait of the fallen king, within its enamel bezel, is a fine example of Stuart Crystal jewellery.”

You can watch a video of Alex discussing this item here:

Want to learn more about the English Civil War with Fellows?

We have some great resources:

Killing a king: the regicide of Charles I

From imprisonment and trial to execution and legacy, historian Rebecca Rideal unravels one of the most important events in British history – the regicide of Charles I. Access the recording here.

Charles I Stuart Crystal Ring

A late 17th century gold Stuart crystal Memento Mori portrait miniature ring, depicting Charles I.

In December 2018, Fellows sold a 17^th century Stuart crystal memorial portrait ring. The ring which depicted Charles I sold for £4,083.20 (including fees).

Find out more on our blog.

Pontefract Siege Coin

A Charles I AR Lozenge Shilling. This coin was part of the Pontefract Siege coinage made in 1648. We spoke to historian Julian Humphrys about why this coin is so special.

See the interview on our blog.

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Rare 17th century Charles I Ring