Mastery of Design: An Onyx Cup, 1845

Onyx Cup with Figural Base
Gold, Enamel, Turquoise, Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires
French, Circa 1845
Purchased by Prince Albert
The Royal Collection

One of Prince Albert’s favorite hobbies was finding pretty, little things to give to his beloved wife. To be true, his love of jewels and shiny things was equal to hers, and, I think, he took as much delight in finding these things as he did giving them to her.


This onyx cup with gold pedestal is set with dozens upon dozens of turquoise, opals, rubies, emeralds and sapphires surrounded by additional gold and enamel-work. While the reverse is unsigned, it is most likely the work of the Parisian House of Marrel Frères who were known for their Renaissance-style gold work and jewelry.

Prince Albert presented this cup to his wife, Queen Victoria, on Christmas Eve of 1845. She wrote of it in her journal that night calling it a, “Beautiful little cup set in enamel and precious stones.” It has remained in the Royal Collection ever since.