WITH engraved figures and a skull etched into gold, it bears a striking resemblance to the ‘one ring’ from Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings books.

The piece – discovered near Shillingstone in 2021 – is actually a 17th-century mourning ring, with initials and a death date engraved in the precious metal.

It was found in Dorset by metal detectorist Anthony Woolmington, who initially thought the ring was a more modern piece – but further inspection revealed its true historical significance.

“I found the ring on what I think may have been an old pathway running across the pasture,” he said. “It was about 8 inches down in soft ground, and at first, I thought it was quite modern, however, we quickly realised it was much older, probably from the 16th or 17th century.”

The ring, now confirmed to be a mourning ring from 1692, will be sold at Hansons Auctioneers’ February Coin and Historical Sale.

It weighs in at just 3.7 grams, made of gold worth under £200, but experts at Hansons estimate the ring could fetch between £600 and £800 due to its historical rarity and striking design.

Experts said the ring dated to the 16th century. Picture: Hansons

Charles Hanson, auctioneer and owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “Even when jewellery seems to have minimal intrinsic value, it’s always worth bringing it to auction.

“You never know when an item has historical or emotional significance that could elevate its value far beyond its scrap metal worth.”

At first glance, the ring appeared to be an ordinary 18-carat gold wedding band but on closer inspection, Hanson identified it as a mourning ring — a rare type of commemorative jewellery that became popular after the English Reformation, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries.

The ring features a distinctive D-shaped cross-section and an incised skull on its exterior, which faces to the left. This detailed design includes eyes represented by two circular recesses, a raised central oval to form a nose, and two sets of teeth indicated by five vertical lines.

The inside of the band reveals a maker’s mark—a Gothic capital B — which pinpoints its creation to the year 1692.

Further engraving on the interior of the ring includes the initials ML and the date of death, ’23rd April 1692′.

A death date and more are engraved on the interior of the ring. Picture: Hansons

Helen Smith, head of jewellery at Hansons, added: “The discovery of such a ring is truly remarkable. Mourning rings were often crafted to commemorate significant losses, particularly during times of turmoil such as the English Civil War, the execution of Charles I, and the subsequent political upheaval.

“This ring is an extraordinary example of both craftsmanship and the deeply personal nature of jewellery in that era. The fact that this mourning ring has survived more than 350 years is a testament to its enduring significance.”

READ MORE: Missing bronze ‘masterpiece’ is found at Blandford school
READ MORE: Detectorist uncovers rare sword and axe in Stalbridge
READ MORE: Click here for more history news from your New Blackmore Vale

When the ring was created, England was beset by conflict and tragedy. Civil war, the execution of a monarch, the plague of 1665, and the Great Fire of London in 1666 were all close by.

Mourning rings served as a poignant reminder of mortality and were often commissioned by families to mark the death of a loved one or commemorate significant events such as royal executions.

Hanson said: “If only this ring could talk, we could learn so much about the life it commemorates.

“It’s an incredible piece of history, and we are thrilled to be able to offer it to collectors and history enthusiasts.”

The ring, which was discovered in 2021, will be featured in Hansons’ February Coin and Historical Sale on February 27.