handling treasures at the v&a

an truly amazing opportunity to hold and examine pieces from the v&a's vast collection of historic jewellery, our items linked to our project titles (picked out of a hat), mine being a question of identity...

charles I ring from the mid-17th century, enamelled portrait of charles on the front, enamelled skull on reverse with crown and cr and engraved 'sie transit gloria mundi' translates to thus passes the vainglory of the world'. one example of many rings made to showcase his death, some were made to be more discreet by covering the portrait with a metal lid. piece so delicate yet displays strong meaning and identity of charles I and the wearer, the skull, crown and words touching the skin...