David Garrick (19 February 1717 20 January 1779) was an English actor, playwright, theatre manager and producer. Garrick made his legendary debut as Richard the III at the Goodman's Fields Theatre in East London on 19 October 1741 and thence forth remained the most well known and loved actor of his era.

Sir Henry Irving (6 February 1838 13 October 1905) was an actor and actor/manager and similarly admired as one the greatest British talents of the following century. In recognition of this Irving was the first actor to receive a knighthood in 1895.

Archibald, 5th Earl of Rosebery, 1st Earl of Midlothian, KG, PC (7 May 1847-21 May 1929), was Prime Minister between 1894 and 1895. He maintained a correspondance with Irving and gave this ring as a token of their friendship.