A RARE Regency mourning ring is expected to fetch up to £1,200 at auction in Dorchester.

The gold ring, pictured, which commemorates the death of one of George III’s favourite aides Sir William Fawcett, will go under the hammer at Duke’s auctioneers on Thursday December 1.

The intricately decorated ring, which is being sold by a North Dorset family, has an estimate of £600 to £1,200.

Duke’s jewellery valuer Amy Brenan said: “Whilst it was traditional for mourning rings to be made as a memorial for a loved one, the quality and intricacies of this ring show that it was likely to have been made for a primary family member, possibly even his wife who died only a year after Fawcett himself.

“Set to the ring in relief is a design of an urn with a tear-drop shaped rock crystal to the centre.

“The ring is also very large being of navette form and over 3cm long, so it covers most of the length of the finger. “Most mourning rings are smaller.”

For more information contact Duke’s on 01305 265080 or email enquiries@dukes-auctions.com.