Victorian Wellington Cameo Ring
A remarkable Victorian memorial ring featuring a gold cameo depicting the Duke of Wellington. Likely made to commemorate his death in 1852, the cameo is protected by glass, and a round locket compartment resides behind the head designed to be worn against the skin. It's crafted in 18 carat gold with deeply carved scrollwork around the head and down the shoulders.
Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington. Mirroring much of British colonial history, Wellington's storied career is morally... patchy. Famed for defeating Napoleon - once and for all - at the Battle of Waterloo, Wellington was undoubtedly one of the finest military commanders of his age (indeed of any age, if the sources are to be believed). He served across the empire, presiding over the deaths of countless French, Indian, Danish, and British soldiers (and citizens) on more than 60 different battlefields, and was ultimately promoted to Commander-in-Chief of the British Army. After Waterloo, 'upon hearing of approximately 50,000 casualties dead or dying that he wept, saying "I hope to God I have fought my last battle."' Leaving behind the army for politics, where he earned his nickname, the Iron Duke, Wellington became a leading statesman serving as prime minister of Great Britain twice - first in 1828 then again in 1834 - and notably presiding over the Roman Catholic Emancipation ('the restoration of most civil rights to Roman Catholics in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.') which set up one of the more lively stories:
'The Earl of Winchilsea accused the Duke of "an insidious design for the infringement of our liberties and the introduction of Popery into every department of the State". Wellington responded by immediately challenging Winchilsea to a duel. On 21 March 1829, Wellington and Winchilsea met on Battersea fields. When the time came to fire, the Duke took aim and Winchilsea kept his arm down. The Duke fired wide to the right. Accounts differ as to whether he missed on purpose, an act known in duelling as a delope. Wellington claimed he did... Winchilsea apologised' - Wikipedia
He is also credited with the invention of the wellington boot.
Era: Victorian, circa 1850
Ring size: J 1/2 or 5 US. Resizable for £35
Head size: 10.4mm by 11.6mm
Marks: None present, tested as 18ct gold
Condition: Good antique condition, wear consistent with age and use including pitting to the glass
Full appraisal document provided with each item
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
Express shipping is free of charge and carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
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Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
A 25% deposit will be taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
More Questions?
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alex@lostowl.jewelry
An inscription can be added inside the band, where space allows. Add 2-3 weeks to shipping times
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