Excuse me while I marvel at this gem – please tell the crowd all about it, Barbara:
“this is Royalist Supporter jewelry, late 18th century, commemorating the deaths of Marie Antoinette, her husband Louis XVI and their son, the Dauphin. This high carat gold ring is set with a sulphide cameo encrustation portrait of the ill-fated Royal family. The portrait is set to a gold frame with the black enamel motto “Iis sont immortels (they are immortal), under crystal. It is in perfect condition, but I couldn’t get the photo without a very small glare.”
How wonderful Hayden! There is so much amazing symbolism in the French royalist jewelry. I have an original marriage medal in silver for the wedding of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette – I’d be happy to share some photos of it. It’s a bit of a royalist piece because, although it was minted in 1770 for their wedding, it was used again in 1790 as the marriage medal for another couple and their names and marriage date are engraved around the edge of the medal. I believe such a practice was royalist in nature, as the revolution took place only a year before in 1789. Maybe not mourning, but definately memorial…
Melanie, that would be excellent if you could share some photos of that wedding piece; I think it absolutely fits into the sentimental/memorial aspect of collecting and to have a showcase of these items for further study and appreciation would be absolutely magic!
[...] Pearl and Blue Glass/Enamel Brooch: How Trade Opened Up New Possibilities in the 18th Century > Louis XVI Royalist Supporter French Ring > The Further the Distance the Tighter the Knot; Eternity and Romantic Symbolism on a French [...]
If you feel concerned about the French Monarchy, have a look at my blog. You will learn a lot of things about the history of Monarchy in France and the actuallity of royalism.
That’s a wonderful blog you have, Charlotte!