.jpg?w=1)
Details
An early 19th century sapphire sentimental locket ring
The bezel with closed-set heart-shaped sapphire in hinged locket mount, the shoulders with an articulated padlock and key, the hoop engraved on the outside 'Queen Caroline of England 1820', the inside of the hoop engraved 'Franchise et Discrétion', finger size N ½
The bezel with closed-set heart-shaped sapphire in hinged locket mount, the shoulders with an articulated padlock and key, the hoop engraved on the outside 'Queen Caroline of England 1820', the inside of the hoop engraved 'Franchise et Discrétion', finger size N ½
Special Notice
These lots have been imported from outside the EU for sale using a Temporary Import regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the Hammer price. VAT is also payable (at 20%) on the buyer’s Premium on a VAT inclusive basis. When a buyer of such a lot has registered an EU address but wishes to export the lot or complete the import into another EU country, he must advise Christie's immediately after the auction.
Further Details
Caroline Amelia Elizabeth of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel (1768-1821) was the wife of King George IV. Her father was the ruler of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel in Germany and her mother was Princess Augusta, sister of King George III. She married George, then Prince of Wales, in 1795 and in the same year gave birth to a daughter Princess Charlotte of Wales. Caroline's life was not a happy one, she separated from the King and shortly afterwards rumours circulated that she had taken lovers and had had an illegitimate child. This led to an investigation, nothing was proven, however access to her daughter was restricted. In 1814 Caroline moved to Italy and despite the King's attempts to divorce her she returned to England and enjoyed some popularity with the people. In 1817 she was devastated by the news that her daughter Charlotte had died in childbirth.
She was barred from the King's coronation in 1821, and soon after became very ill. On 7th August that year she died and was buried in her native Brunswick.
She was barred from the King's coronation in 1821, and soon after became very ill. On 7th August that year she died and was buried in her native Brunswick.