Metal Work - Queen Elizabeth I - Ring
Daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth ascended the throne at the age of 25 in 1558, succeeding her half-sister, Queen Mary. Beloved by her subjects, she was a brave and noble Queen. On July 29 of 1588 during the Spanish Armada (a fleet of 130 ships sent to invade England) Elizabeth defended her country stating to her troops at Tilbury:

“My loving people,

We have been persuaded by some that are careful of our safety, to take heed how we commit our selves to armed multitudes, for fear of treachery; but I assure you I do not desire to live to distrust my faithful and loving people. Let tyrants fear. I have always so behaved myself that, under God, I have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good-will of my subjects; and therefore I am come amongst you, as you see, at this time, not for my recreation and disport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat of the battle, to live and die amongst you all; to lay down for my God, and for my kingdom, and my people, my honour and my blood, even in the dust.

I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm: to which rather than any dishonour shall grow by me, I myself will take up arms, I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field.

I know already, for your forwardness you have deserved rewards and crowns; and We do assure you in the word of a prince, they shall be duly paid you. In the mean time, my lieutenant general shall be in my stead, than whom never prince commanded a more noble or worthy subject; not doubting but by your obedience to my general, by your concord in the camp, and your valour in the field, we shall shortly have a famous victory over those enemies of my God, of my kingdom, and of my people.”

Elizabeth died in 1603 and with her passing the Tudor dynasty that ruled England for 118 years came to an end.

Made of die-cut and hammer-textured sterling silver, this ring is inspired by Elizabeth I, Queen of England and Ireland. It is adorned with a small 14k gold at the center of a larger bronze heart flanked by tiny dots of 22k gold bi-metal. Because purple denotes the color of royalty, Amethyst was used as the center focal gemstone. Carnelian, Garnet and Peridot are bezel-set in this crown-themed ring as well.