Enamelled gold ring, with a shaped circular bezel set with rose-cut diamonds in gold collets in the form of a cross, possibly by Carlo Giuliano, London, ca.1875

Enamelled gold ring, with a shaped circular bezel set with rose-cut diamonds in gold collets in the form of a cross and further diamonds on the shoulders

Given by Mr Cecil Crofton

This ring is from the collection of Cecil Crofton. Cecil Frederick Crofton was born Frederick William Martin on 10 November 1859 in Birmingham. After a brief career as an architect, he changed direction and became a professional actor. He was most active between 1882 and 1896 and may have changed his name during this period. He was an energetic collector of textiles, silver, furniture and art, in particular the works of Simeon Solomon.

From 1913, Cecil F. Crofton made a series of generous gifts to the V&A, including silver, works on paper, jewellery and textiles. Writing to the Director in November 1918, he explained his pleasure in making the gifts as he felt firstly, that it 'places in safety a few of my dearest possessions' but also that he felt himself to be 'under a debt of gratitude to the Museum... I have used it as a rest cure & often when I have felt tired of the struggle & squalor of our modern life, I have found refreshment in your treasure house'.

Nineteenth century customers could choose from a vast range of styles of rings - historically inspired, based on archaeological excavations, set with cameos, ivory scenes or miniature portraits. However, the majority of rings were probably much simpler gem-set rings, relying on the massed array of coloured gemstones for their appeal. This ring combines red, green and blue enamels with diamonds to create a bright, colourful ring. The enamelling was loosely inspired by Renaissance metalwork.

Cecil Crofton, the donor of this ring, stated that it was made by the jeweller Carlo Giuliano, one of the chief proponents of Renaissance revival jewellery but as the ring is unmarked, this has not been verified.

M.328-1922