--- title: 15th Century Ring Sold at auction at Sotheby date: 2015-07-13T10:34:00+01:00 author: Alison Bull canonical_url: "https://assetsure.beebo.co.uk/jewellery/it-takes-two/" section: News --- Our Customers Love Us! Jewellery Insurance [Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/assetsure.com) ### Get a Quote. Choose from our range of insurances below [Home](/) › [Jewellery Insurance](https://assetsure.beebo.co.uk/jewellery/) › [15th Century Ring Sold at auction at Sotheby](https://assetsure.beebo.co.uk/jewellery/it-takes-two/) # 15th Century Ring Sold at auction at Sotheby Throughout history and across almost all cultures, precious stones have been attributed with many different meanings and symbols. But sometimes, it’s the relationship between two gems that says it all. Such is the case for the exceptionally lavish, 15th century ring that sold for auction at Sotheby’s last week, coming in over the estimated price, at £35,000, as part of the ‘Old Master Sculpture & Works of Art’ sale. In this early, rather rare example of a ‘love or marriage ring’, [the bond between husband and wife](http://www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk/15099-sothebys-to-auction-cromwell-era-ring-unearthed-by-metal-detector) is symbolised by two different gems: an impressive point-cut diamond and a rounded ruby, placed side by side. These are held within engraved sprigs, typical 15th century goldsmith’s work in England. ## Love rediscovered The ring was unearthed in 2013 by an amateur treasure hunter using a metal detector. It was found near Launde Abbey, an Elizabethan manor house situated in the valley of the river Chater (East Norton, Leicestershire), which, from the 12th century onwards, was occupied by a large and wealthy Augustinian Priory. After surveying the site as part of the dissolution of the monasteries, Thomas Cromwell was so impressed by the building and location that he presented it to himself, writing in his diary: “Myself for Launde”. His execution in 1540 prevented Cromwell from moving in, however his son Gregory and wife Elizabeth Seymour (sister of Henry VIII’s third wife Jane Seymour) did take up residence there. ## An uncertain misfortune [Writing in the catalogue entry](http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2015/old-master-sculpture-works-art-l15231/lot.3.html), Sotheby ‘Old Master Sculpture & Works of Art’ specialist, Erik Bijzet explained: “The movement of wealthy patrons around a major monastery, the violence with which the rich institution must have been taken for the Crown, and the importance of the subsequent inhabitants are all reasons for a ring of this significance to have been deposited in its vicinity.” It’s certainly sad to think of this beautiful ring leaving its owner’s finger by whatever misfortune. Though it resurfaced, several centuries later, this is by no means the case for all lost or stolen rings. While we may not be able to reunite you with the original, [by insuring your engagement or wedding ring with Assetsure](/jewellery/engagement-ring-insurance/), we can certainly cover its financial value, providing you with greater peace of mind. ## Latest News & Advice [![How Often Should You Revalue Your Jewellery](https://assetsure.beebo.co.uk/actions/assets/generate-transform/?transformId=4)](https://assetsure.beebo.co.uk/jewellery/how-often-revalue-jewellery/) ### [How Often Should You Revalue Your Jewellery](https://assetsure.beebo.co.uk/jewellery/how-often-revalue-jewellery/) Making sure your precious pieces are accurately valued is important, the value of precious metals and gemstones fluctuate over time meaning a valuation that was accurate a few years ago might be quite different now.... [![Jewellery Insurance Myths](https://assetsure.beebo.co.uk/actions/assets/generate-transform/?transformId=5)](https://assetsure.beebo.co.uk/jewellery/jewellery-insurance-myths/) ### [Jewellery Insurance Myths](https://assetsure.beebo.co.uk/jewellery/jewellery-insurance-myths/) Jewellery insurance myths, separating fact from fiction. Here we’ll discuss some of the most common jewellery insurance myths and misconceptions, as well as answering probably one of the biggest questions of all: does home insurance cover my jewellery?... [![Insurance for Bespoke Jewellery](https://assetsure.beebo.co.uk/actions/assets/generate-transform/?transformId=6)](https://assetsure.beebo.co.uk/jewellery/insurance-for-bespoke-jewellery/) ### [Insurance for Bespoke Jewellery](https://assetsure.beebo.co.uk/jewellery/insurance-for-bespoke-jewellery/) This brief guide discusses what you may need to know about insurance and bespoke, high-value, and heirloom jewellery. So, first of all...What is considered high-value jewellery for insurance?... [More News](https://assetsure.beebo.co.uk/news) ## Why choose our specialist insurance cover? ### Extensive Cover Our policy provides all-risks cover as standard. This means events such as loss or damage are covered with fewer exclusions and warranties. ### Worldwide Cover You are covered anywhere in the world for trips up to 60 days. ### Single Pieces or Collections We can insure single items of jewellery such as rings, earrings & pendants or whole collections. For smaller items you can insure on an "Unspecified basis" ### Protect your no claims bonus This is a "stand-alone" policy, any claim will not affect any no claims bonus you may have under your home insurance ### Excellent friendly claims service We are here to help you if you need to make a claim. We will liaise between you and the insurers to help settle your claim as quickly as possible. ### Members of BIBA We are members of the British Insurance Brokers Association,the UK's leading general insurance intermediary organisation. 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