17th Jun, 2021 14:00

Fine Jewellery & Watches - Live Online

 
  Lot 113
 

113

A fine 17th century rose-cut diamond presented by Charles II

A fine 17th century rose-cut diamond presented by Charles II, the oval rose cut diamond weighing approx. 1.50cts, within a later blue enamel surround, the reverse of the setting bearing the inscription 'Given by King Charles the 2nd to the Hon'ble Charles Bertie, Son of Montague Earl of Lindsey 1649' with pierced tapered shoulders, maker's marks TT, ring size R1/2, gross weight 8.5g.

This ring was inherited by our current vendor's late husband, who bore a direct line to Charles and Montagu Bertie. The diamond was probably originally presented in a set of buttons, or a ring, but the present mount is likely later. For another example of a re-set diamond gifted by Charles II see Nell Gwynne's diamond set Bodkin kept in the Met Museum with similar inscription to the reverse of the setting.

Montagu Bertie, 2nd Earl of Lindsey (1608-1666) was a royalist, supporting Charles I and raising a regiment of Cavalry in Lincolnshire at the outbreak of the Civil War. When his father Robert Bertie 1st Earl of Lindsey was mortally wounded, Montagu surrendered to be by his side. He was imprisoned in Warwick Castle, and wrote a defiant declaration of loyalty to the King. He was released in 1643 when he was appointed a Privy Counsellor and a colonel of the King’s Life Guards of Foot.

Lindsey was present at the surrender of Oxford in June 1646, attended the King in 1647, and finally served as a commissioner for the Treaty of Newport in 1648, a failed treaty between Parliament and Charles I intended to end hostilities. He continued to attend the King during his trial and even accompanied the King's body to its burial. Montagu paid heavily for his allegiance, compounding for his estates in December 1646 at £4,360 (later reduced to £2,100), a sum he did not pay off until 1651.

Charles Bertie was the fifth son of the Earl of Lindsey and would have been around nine years old in 1649 when the diamond was reputed to be given by King Charles II. This significant year marked Charles I’s execution, and Charles II’s appointment as King of Scotland in February. Whilst living in The Hague, it is likely that Charles II commissioned this token as a gesture of thanks for the family’s loyalty and service to the Royalist cause.

This is a 'live online' auction - you can bid from the comfort of your own home using our free live bidding service.  Condition reports and additional condition report images can be requested and seen in the 'Condition Report' tab below if present.

Sold for £6,800


 

Auction: Fine Jewellery & Watches - Live Online, 17th Jun, 2021

Enter your unworn jewellery and watches into our ever-popular Summer Sale. Featuring an amazing array of designer jewellery, antique jewellery, diamond and gem-set pieces, this is not a sale to be missed. Our wristwatch offering includes timepieces from the likes of Rolex, Omega, Tag Heuer and Breitling so be sure to keep an eye on our auction preview, and do not miss the consignment deadline! For a free, specialist valuation of your jewellery and watches, contact our FGA and DGA qualified head of department Liz Bailey via liz.bailey@wilson55.com

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