Shell cameo with right profile portrait of Adolphus Frederick, Duke of Cambridge, with side whiskers and beard. Along the neckline signed: G. G. Adams. Set into articulated gold matt bracelet with silver centrepiece of diamonds, pearls and green enamel laurel wreath.

The cameo likeness is based on a pencil drawing by George Gammon Adams, dated 1847 and inscribed ‘Drawn from life’. That drawing was presented by the artist to Francis, Duke of Teck, son-in-law to the Duke of Cambridge and father of Queen Mary. Adams subsequently made a posthumous bust of the Duke of Cambridge, in 1866 and this cameo may also have been executed posthumously.

Adolphus Frederick, Duke of Cambridge (1774-1850), was the sixth son of George III. This bracelet belonged to Augusta, Duchess of Cambridge (1797-1889), whom the Duke married in 1818. The laurel wreath symbolises the triumph of love and the diamonds constancy. The Duchess may have commissioned the bracelet as a commemorative jewel to incorporate the cameo, c. 1860-70.

George Gammon Adams (1821-98), sculptor and medallist, worked for the Royal Mint. He was a pupil of William Wyon and studied sculpture in Rome with John Gibson. Adams won £100 for his design of the Jurors’ Medal at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and designed the medal presented to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert at the opening of the Crystal Palace on its move to Sydenham. He was chosen to take the death mask of the Duke of Wellington in 1852 and Queen Victoria purchased a bust from him of the Duke in 1853. Other works by the artist in the Royal Collection include a bust of George, 2nd Duke of Cambridge and a medal commemorating Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

Text adapted from Ancient and Modern Gems and Jewels in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen, London, 2008