Canning Jewel

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The Canning Jewel

NWS 2-1427

~ His name was Lord Canning. He was the Governor General of India from 1856 - 1862. Because he did a lot of good things for India, he was gifted by the Indian Royalty with what has become known as The Canning Jewel.

~ The Canning Jewel is made of solid gold, with a combination of rich enamel, diamonds, rubies and pearls. Lord Canning brought this heavily jeweled pendant back to England, and it presently resides in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. The Canning Jewel, shown at right, was bought by the museum in 1935 for $26,000. It is a spectacular work of art, thought to have been made in the Renaissance Period of the 16th century.

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~ Many centuries later, Kenneth J. Lane designed his own version. Seen here on the left, the brooch depicts perhaps Neptune, God of the Sea, blowing on a conch shell horn. Note the muscled, pearl body and the pearl dangles. (Information and photo from Masterpieces of Costume Jewelry, by Ball & Torem, p. 124.)

~ The brooch for sale today is a very close replica of the original Canning Jewel. It is made of faux gold metal, and has been beautifully enameled in royal blue, with gold details. The nacreous breastplate shows fantastic physical details, while in his "tail" he bears a pearl cabochon that has been carved into a flower head or melon shape.

~ He appears to have been victorious over some kind of dragon-like sea monster, whose head he holds in one hand, and a sword in the other.

~ As was common for 16th century jewelry, three pearl drops are suspended from the bottom of this brooch to add visual balance. The central pendant has 5, faceted, faux rubies, just like the original. Shown at right are 2 sketches of jewelry from the year 1562. Note the 3 baroque pearl dangles on each piece, and the mythological themes.

~ This brooch for sale today measures 4.75" high and 2.75" wide! It has a significant heft to it.

~ It bears the standard swivel-head safety clasp on the reverse, as well as a hook at the top, so it can also be worn as a pendant (2 pieces of jewelry in one!). It is not signed or marked.

c. 1950-60, in great condition, a fabulous work of art!

Price = $395.00 b 3