is this a Royal Ring? - 1Earth Antiques and Appraisals Magazine

Dear 1Earth Antiques,
We've had this King Charles I ring in our family for a long time, and no one seems to know much about it except that it's definitely old.

The story surrounding it is that before King Charles I was beheaded he had seven rings made for friends and family. Inside the ring is inscribed "Be prepared to follow me".

A keepsake from a king's court.

There are three small letters that came with the ring. Basically, one letter says that this ring was one of seven mourning rings given away at the execution of Charles I. Have you ever heard of this?
— S.S., California

Dear S.S,
It was customary for rings to be made for close relatives and friends. The consort of Charles I gave rings like yours to loyalists when the king was executed in 1649.

Your ring has all the typical features of a memorial item. For example, other rings are inscribed; "Remember you too shall die", "Remember me", and "Follow me". Also, the miniature of Charles I that's under the hand-cut, natural crystal of the ring is most likely painted on a parchment called vellum. And crest with a crown is probably the London mark used from 1336.

Miller's International Price Guide 1997 values a Charles I miniature dated 1648 at $15,000 to $18,000. If your letters are original, the ring is in the same range.

International Antiques Price Guide 2001
by Elizabeth Norfolk