Rare royal mourning ring commissioned by King George IV bought in charity shop for just £15 – here's what it's worth

Scottish Sun

3 days ago

KING'S JEWEL Rare royal mourning ring commissioned by King George IV bought in charity shop for just £15 – here's what it's worth
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A RARE mourning ring commissioned by King George IV has been found in a charity shop – and snapped up for just £15.
The gold band, engraved with the touching words 'Remember me', was created to honour the death of Princess Amelia, youngest daughter of King George III.
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A rare royal mourning ring worth thousands of pounds which is up for auction after being bought from a charity shop in Leicester for just £15
Credit: PA
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A matching mourning ring was later bought by Queen Mary in 1935. Back in 1810, each ring cost 58 shillings to make
Credit: PA
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Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: 'It's the most important charity shop find I've heard about in a decade."
Credit: PA
The historic piece was discovered in a charity shop in Leicester and is now set to go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers, where it could fetch between £3,000 and £5,000.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: 'It's the most important charity shop find I've heard about in a decade.'
The unsuspecting buyer had picked up the ring from a local shop, unaware of its royal connection.
Mr Hanson recalled: 'I was stunned and dazzled. From a simple box emerged a piece of deeply personal Royal history – commissioned by the Royal family itself to honour a lost loved one.'
Princess Amelia was born on 7 August 1783 and died aged 27 in 1810 after a long battle with tuberculosis.
Her death is thought to have devastated King George III, accelerating his mental decline. She was believed to be his favourite child.
The ring, crafted by top royal jewellers Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, was one of only 52 made on the orders of the Prince Regent – who later became King George IV.
They were handed out to close family and friends after her funeral in Windsor.
'The white enamel used in the ring denotes that Amelia was unmarried at the time of her death,' Mr Hanson said.
'White enamel symbolised purity and innocence in mourning jewellery, particularly for those who died young or unmarried.
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"It contrasts with the more commonly used black enamel, which signified general mourning.'
In a final act of love, Princess Amelia is said to have pressed a ring containing a lock of her hair into her father's hand as she lay dying, whispering the words now inscribed on the newly discovered ring – 'remember me'.
A matching mourning ring was later bought by Queen Mary in 1935. Back in 1810, each ring cost 58 shillings to make.
'This find proves treasures still lie hidden on our high streets,' said Mr Hanson.
'It's not just the monetary value – it's the emotion, history and humanity behind this ring that truly moves you.'
Experts believe the ring could attract international interest when it goes under the hammer, thanks to its royal provenance and remarkable condition.
Collectors of royal memorabilia are expected to watch the auction closely.
Jewellery historian Alexandra Michell said: 'It's incredibly rare to find such a piece outside of established collections.
"Mourning jewellery from this era, especially tied to a royal figure, is both historically and emotionally valuable.'
The ring has now been placed in secure storage until its auction day to ensure its protection.
It will feature as a highlight item in Hansons' Summer Fine Art Jewellery Auction.
The auction will take place on 12 June 2025, and bids are expected to come in from across the UK and abroad.
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The ring, crafted by top royal jewellers Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, was one of only 52 made on the orders of the Prince Regent
Credit: Getty - Contributor
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The historic piece was discovered in a charity shop in Leicester and is now set to go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers,
Credit: De Agostini - Getty