A 400-year-old gold signet unicorn ring just sold at auction for $26,470 (23,550 euros). People are talking about the value of the ring and its connection to a noble family associated with medieval England and Scotland. Unfortunately, however, this news does not report on the ancient Celtic symbolism of this artifact in relation to the history of Scotland.
Weighing more than 20 grams (0.7 ounces), the 17th-century gold unicorn ring was unearthed by a metal detector in 2018 on farmland in Thornton, Buckinghamshire, England. Now, after 400 years of loss, on December 9, Derbyshire-based Hansons Auctioneers sold the artifact for $26,470 (€23,550), significantly higher than the pre-auction estimate price is $15,880 (14,130 euros). Auctioneer Charles Hanson described the high price as “an exceptional result for an exceptional find”.
The golden unicorn ring traveled mysteriously
The gold unicorn ring has a double-sided bezel, meaning the center rotates around to reveal two iconic images: the engraved unicorn head and the family crest. The latter had a shield with a small crescent moon, which led researchers to Thomas Curwen, second son of Sir Henry Curwen the MP.
Engravings on the unicorn ring indicate it belonged to the noble Curwen family. (Hanson Auction House)
Thomas Curwen was born in 1602 AD and according to The Independent, the Curwen family came from Workington in Cumbria, about 270 miles from where the ring was unearthed. Thomas inherited the family estate in 1664 AD, including the 15th-century Workington Hall (or Curwen Hall), where Mary Queen of Scots famously hid from her rival, Queen Elizabeth I The unicorn appearing behind the family coat of arms reveals the Curwen family’s traditional connection to Galloway in Scotland.
Charles Hanson said Thomas Curwen died in February 1672 AD during the reign of King Charles II. Curwen is buried at Workington. And this is why Mr. Hanson said the ring traveled so far from the family’s hometown. Hanson said the find was not only “a stunning piece of jewellery” but also “an important family heirloom and a fascinating part of Cumbria’s local history”. Perhaps sadly, Hanson pointed out that we will never know how or why the ring was found so far from Workington.
Evidence clearly indicates that ownership of the golden unicorn ring is linked to Thomas Curwen, whose family long owned Workington Hall (or Curwen Hall), where Mary Queen of Scots famously hid from her opponents. her rival, Queen Elizabeth. (Visit Cumbria)
The Power of the Unicorn: Scotland’s National Creature
In most articles you will read about this discovery, which is where the story stops, but you know, at Ancient Origins we like to ask curious questions. When we investigate the symbols on this gold ring a little deeper, a whole trove of untapped cultural knowledge is revealed.
Visit Scotland’s website explains that in Celtic mythology, the unicorn is a symbol of purity and innocence, as well as masculinity and power. The dominance of this creature is often associated with chivalry, and thus the unicorn has become the national creature of Scotland.
Mythical unicorns have existed in the human imagination for more than 2,500 years. In 400 BC, Greek historian Ctesias first recorded this animal living in India. However, later, Aristotle, Pliny the Elder and even Julius Caesar all claimed that unicorns could be found in the vast and ancient Hercynian Forest in Germany.
The unicorn first appeared on the coat of arms of King William I of Scotland in the 12th century, and in the 15th century, King James III minted gold coins with unicorns on them. The Royal Scottish Army became two unicorns supporting one shield, when in 1606 AD Scotland and England united under the reign of James VI of Scotland. When he became James I of England and Ireland, the monarch replaced the unicorn with the lion, the national animal of England. But what about that necklace?
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Supporters of Scottish independence will tell you that the unicorn representing Scotland has always been depicted with a chain to represent England’s control over Scotland and its people. But in reality it means the exact opposite. According to Britannia, unicorns are considered the strongest animals. Because it is wild and untamed, the chain of traps clearly symbolizes “the power of the Scottish kings – they are strong enough to tame even a unicorn.”
