Sales of recreated Shakespeare ring will boost Trust coffers

SHAKESPEARE’S signet ring — renowned for being pressed into molten wax seals — is to be recreated by Stratford-upon-Avon jewellers Pragnells in a unique collaboration with the Birthplace Trust.

George Pragnell, in Wood Street, is paying homage to the famous playwright with this historically significant re-edition of the original 20ct gold ring, handcrafted and hand-finished in their workshops.

Bearing the initials WS and intertwined with a lover’s knot, the ring, which would have been designed to wear over a glove, is made of the exact metal composition of the day — 83.66 per cent gold; 9.73 per cent silver and 6.61 per cent copper.

It is thought that Shakespeare, prior to amending his will in 1616, lost this ring which was later discovered in March 1810 in a field next to Holy Trinity Church.

Today, this treasure forms part of an important cache and is on display at the headquarters of The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust as part of the celebrations.

Charlie Pragnell, managing director of Pragnells, said: “It’s a positively Shakespearean twist of fate that by losing his ring, Shakespeare preserved it for posterity.

“What I like about this is that we have recreated the gold alloy precisely so to have it resized you have to return to Stratford.

“It is particularly directed at the international clientele. There are Shakespeare enthusiasts all over the world”.

He added: “As this is such a special year it seemed a great time to initiate such an idea. The signet ring which must have marked the wax in so many letters, is a very symbolic reminder to those visitors who come from various parts of the world and who feel a great affinity with Shakespeare. Jewellery provides an emotional attachment.

Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Operations and Marketing at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust said: “I am delighted that we have signed a licensing agreement with George Pragnell to enable them to recreate the Seal Ring, one of the most evocative objects in our collection relating to Shakespeare’s work, life and times in this important anniversary year.

“Every purchase of this special ring will help to support our ongoing work to conserve the Shakespeare Houses and Gardens and our internationally significant collections and keep them open to the public.”

DON’T MISS: The 48-page Shakespeare Souvenir Supplement free inside the Stratford-upon-Avon Herald on 7th April!