England
Ring with cameos of George II and Queen Caroline Cameos: c. 1730; Ring: early 19th c.
Onyx: white and black; gold ring; bezel set with two cameos in gold mounts surrounded by two large and twenty small diamonds in silver settings. | 1.9 x 1.9 x 2.2 cm (cameo) | RCIN 65422
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Cameo of busts of George II (1683-1760), in profile to the left and Caroline of Ansbach (1683-1737), in profile to the right. The reverse of the bezel has the Garter motto in blue enamel: HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE (Evil to him who evil thinks).
The cameos were probably executed in England before the death of Queen Caroline and the two cameos were mounted into the ring at a later date: the heavy gold band that unites them and the setting of the stones recall early 19th century Garter badges.
The portraits derive from John Croker’s medal of 1732, although the images have been reversed suggesting the cutter was working from a printed source. The 1732 medal which shows the royal couple’s children on the reverse (RCIN 3758), is thought to have been issued in response to a medal of James Francis Stuart which showed his two sons on the reverse. It is possible that these cameos were created at the same time as Croker’s work.
Text adapted from Ancient and Modern Gems and Jewels in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen, London, 2008 and The First Georgians; Art and Monarchy 1714 - 1760, London, 2014Provenance
Belonged to King Edward VII, presented to King George V and Queen Mary by Queen Alexandra in 1910
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Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Onyx: white and black; gold ring; bezel set with two cameos in gold mounts surrounded by two large and twenty small diamonds in silver settings.
Measurements
1.9 x 1.9 x 2.2 cm (cameo)
2.0 x 1.9 cm (ring)
Category
Subject(s)
