Saturday, October 16, 2010

Saturday Sparkle: Stuart Coronation Ring, 1660

Stuart Coronation Ring
1660 or earlier
Ancient and Modern Gems and Jewels in
the Collection of Her Majesty, the Queen
This almost-violet Pigeon Blood Ruby Ring was given as a gift to King George IV (then, Prince of Wales) in 1807 from Cardinal York. The ring—engraved with a cross of St. George—most likely started as a large ruby bead which had been cut and polished to create a table suitable for engraving. Originally set in a plain gold band, this stone was assuredly used as the coronation ring for James I and James VII.


Records indicate that this ring may have also been the coronation ring of Charles II and may even have belonged to Charles I. While the piece is documented as belonging to the Stuart Dynasty, it was never kept in the Jewel House. The Sovereign’s coronation ring was considered his personal property and did not belong to the state. Therefore, accurate records are difficult to come by. However, we do know that the border of brilliant Old Mine Cut diamonds was added in 1780 and that the ring was substantially recreated in the 1800’s. William IV loaned this piece to be displayed to the public at Edinburgh Castle in 1830. The ring was returned to the Royal Collection in the Twentieth Century.



2 comments:

SherR said...

George IV was protector to a prince known as Benedict A. Stuart, who was the lineal legitimate descendant (son in fact) of bonny Prince Charlie Stuart. Benedict A. Stuart lived quietly in England, reform was his particular interest and he and George IV fought to end the slave trade in particular.

Cardinal York was bonny Prince Charlie's brother - though in lineage only, not in character. Prince Benedict recognised George IV's claim to the English throne; York sent George IV this jewel in belated recognition.

Anonymous said...

Not another child of Charlie's ~ I have about a dozen of them. Can you email me at charli@iinet.net.au and tell me more about this Benedict and where he lived in the UK etc.Btoini