3-074-740 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Jewellery for the King of Siam, 1883. 'Mr. J. W. Benson...has lately sent...the following magnificent jewels. A gigantic brilliant ring, intended to be worn by his Majesty at the ceremonial of the Sacred Order of the Nine Gems, probably the largest finger-ring ever made. The enormous diamond measured 1¼ in. across; its weight was 66 carats...the whole forming the emblem of the Nine Sacred Gems. Two other splendid brilliant decorations - one the star or badge of the Order of the Chakri Kri, and the other the star or badge of the Order of the Nine Gems...A solid gold belt...More than one thousand diamonds were used for the belt alone. A gold jewelled crystal casket...presented to the King by the members of the recently established Siamese Legation in London, in conjunction with the Siamese youths now being educated in England,...[containing] a congratulatory address engraved upon a scroll of pure gold. It is made up entirely of gold and silver and plates of crystal, into which are inserted enamelled portraits of the above-mentioned gentlemen; the supporting corners show the traditional white elephants...These magnificent objects deserve to be handed down...to future generations of Orientals, as famous specimens of our...London goldsmiths' work'. From "Illustrated London News", 1883.