Important royalist gold ring with a portrait of King Charles I, c.1600-1648

An important royalist gold ring with a portrait of King Charles I, c.1600-1648/9.

English, mid 17th century.

Ring size L UK / 5.75 US.

The bezel measures 1.1 x 0.9cm.

The ring is set with a portrait of Charles I set under faceted glass. The reverse of the bezel is engraved with the execution date of the beheaded King ‘Jan 30 1648’. The ring remains in remarkably fine and original condition.

After the execution of Charles I on 30 January 1649* by the Commonwealth government, commemorative jewellery was immediately produced. Locks of the King's hair, painted miniatures and royalist symbols were set into rings, lockets and pendants and worn as a sign of allegiance to the Royalist cause. The portrait on the present ring is loosely based on the central head of the King from Anthony Van Dyck's portrait of Charles I in Three Positions, c.1635 (Royal Collection Trust: RCIN 404420). Many such images in enamel, were produced for distribution to followers of the Royalist cause during the years 1649?–?60. Most were set into rings or lockets bearing the royal cipher with some sort of memorial inscription.

*The adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1752 changed the date of the execution of Charles I to 30 January 1649.

Examples of similar Charles I Royalist jewellery can be found in the British Museum (AF.1434), the Victoria and Albert Museum (924-1871 & M.207-1930), the Royal Collection Trust (RCIN 422290) and other international institutions and historic private collections.

References: The Victoria and Albert Museum and the Royal Collection Trust.