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Star of the Order of Bath
Made for Prince Albert, 1840
Gold, Yellow Diamonds, White Diamonds, Emeralds,
Rubies and Enamel
The Royal Collection |
Prince Albert was appointed to many Royal orders throughout his life as consort to Queen Victoria—The Orders of The Thistle, St. Michael, St. George and St. Patrick, but the his first appointment was to the Order of the Bath in 1840.
As was always the case, the appointed party was presented with the insignia of their order upon appointment. Queen Victoria wanted to make sure that Albert’s first insignia was one which was befitting his position as her consort, and, so, she ordered the creation of a new insignia for her husband. Unfortunately, records do not remain as the which of her favored jewelers created this masterpiece of gold, white and yellow diamonds, rubies, emeralds and enamel. It was, most likely, Rundell, Bridge & Co.
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Prince Albert
by John Patridge, 1841 |
The intricate star was unprecedented in its opulence for the insignia for a Royal Garter. Prince Albert was quite fond of it and can be seen wearing it in the 1841 portrait by John Patridge which he commissioned as a gift for Queen Victoria. The star is visible on the Prince’s left torso. In 1844, Prince Albert was appointed Grand Master of the Order of Bath and was instrumental in redrafting many of the guidelines for the position—practices which remain intact to this day.
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