A remarkable late 16th to early 17th-century diamond and enamel ring, unearthed by a metal detectorist in Wormington, Gloucestershire, in November 2024, is set to headline the upcoming Jewellery, Silver & Objects of Vertu auction held by Noonans Mayfair. Formally disclaimed as Treasure, the historic piece carries an estimated auction value of £15,000 to £20,000. The exquisite ring showcases a flowerhead bezel featuring a central rose-cut diamond encircled by a cluster of eight "hogback" diamonds, all beautifully complemented by intricate turquoise and white enamel work on its underside. Highlighting its historical significance, Frances Noble, the Head of Jewellery at Noonans Mayfair, explained that this piece perfectly reflects the baroque era's shifting fashion, where jewelry tastes transitioned from traditional solitaire rings toward complex, decorative patterns like rosettes and crosses to make grand social statements.
