The ruby locket ring worn by Elizabeth I and given to James I as proof of her death in March 1603, is on display in London.
‘Gold: Power and Allure’ is the major summer exhibition of the Goldsmiths’ Company. The exhibition opened on 1st June, runs until 28th July and admission is free.
According to the Goldsmiths’ Company website,
‘Gold: Power and Allure powerfully tells the rich and previously untold story of Britain and gold, demonstrating the country’s unique golden heritage.
It features more than 400 gold items ranging in date from as early as 2500 BC to the present day, including rare and exquisite works of art, pieces of exceptional historic significance and others which are esoteric, curious and amusing.’
According to an article in Wednesday’s Evening Standard, the objects include ‘a ring taken from the hand of Elizabeth I after her death…’ (p.24 Evening Standard)
The ring contains a portrait of Elizabeth and another woman, thought to be Anne Boleyn.
(c) Chequer’s Estate
The ring is owned by the Chequer’s Estate and is rarely on display. It was previously on show at the 2008 exhibition ‘Portraits from Chequers: Kings, Queens and Revolutionaries’ at Compton Verney in Warwickshire and also at the ‘Elizabeth I’ exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in 2003.
You can read about the exhibition at The Jewellery Editor website.
Opening hours
June 1 to July 28
Monday to Saturday
10am to 5pm
Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays (except Sunday June 24)
Sources
The Goldsmiths’ Company – Gold: Power and Allure
‘Nothing’s quite as good as gold’ by Corinne Julius, p.24, The Evening Standard, Wednesday 20 June 2012
Further Information:
