Tag Archives: mourningjewellery

One of the most incredible mourning ring sets that has ever sold in the UK fetched a total of £39,556 (including fees) in Birmingham. The phenomenal set includes 63 rings which all relate to separate (but connected) individuals across the 18th and 19th centuries. People mourned include key contributors to the Anglican-Orthodoxy movement of the late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth centuries in the Church of England. The dates range from the early 1700s to the mid-1800s. We sold the rings as one lot – the items went under the hammer as Lot 234 in the Jewellery Quarter at approximately 12:45pm on Thursday 30th September. The rings were assembled by Elizabeth Snaith (1805 – 1890) in the 19th century. Furthermore, she gathered together pieces relating to her family, as well as their friends, and business partners. The set of rings was subsequently passed down through several generations, along with its provenance. We were entrusted to sell the collection by a descendant of the Snaith Family. With an auction estimate of £15,000 – £20,000, five separate individuals were bidding on the lot across commission (pre-auction) bids and different internet platforms. It eventually sold to an internet bidder for a hammer price of £31,000 (£39,556 including fees). The History & the Individuals Individuals mourned include key contributors to the Anglican-Orthodoxy movement. Henry Handley Norris (1771-1850) and John Watson (1767-1869), who were clergyman in the parish of Hackney. There is also a ring mourning John’s brother, Joshua Watson (1771-1855) who was a merchant. The three men were at the centre of the Hackney Phalanx and more widely the Oxford Movement. This was during the late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth centuries. For 25 years at the start of the 19th century, the Hackney Phalanx was a group of Anglican High Churchmen with shared beliefs. They filled many of the higher posts of the Church of England. In the 1930s, The Oxford Movement sought to revive Roman Catholic doctrines that had previously been dropped. Some of the rings going under the hammer mourned individuals from the Movement. Norris and Watson are examples. Ben Randall, Senior Specialist & Catalogue Manager at Fellows Auctioneers, said: “It was no shock to see so much interest in such an amazing set of mourning jewellery. It is the most extensive I have ever laid my eyes on. With each ring relating to an individual from one group over a 100-year period, the full set is simply incredible. “The bids flew above the auction estimate and it is lovely to see a well-deserved price for such a significant and historic set of jewellery. Our Fine Jewellery auction continues to pull great results out of the bag and we are excited for the next one which will take place in November.” Mourning Jewellery & the Auction The incredible Georgian and William IV gold and enamel rings came in a variety of shapes and sizes. A family tree and a list of names relating to the 63 rings accompanied the lot. The giving and wearing of mourning rings was a widely observed ritual in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Wills would sometimes be written to include which family members would receive a mourning ring following someone’s death. In this case, funds from wills enabled the creation of mourning rings, which were a token of appreciation. The live auction, offering just under £1 million worth of items, is the company’s flagship, luxury jewellery event. Moreover, the Fine Jewellery auction offered a range of historic and modern pieces from a variety of renowned brands and designers. We offered free shipping on the purchase of items in the sale, subject to terms. In addition, physical viewing days for the mourning rings took place in London and Birmingham. Valuations Our valuations are free. Moreover, there is no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple, so you can get a valuation now: Fill in a form online. In addition, you can book an appointment to visit our offices in Birmingham and London. Moreover you can book a virtual valuation appointment.