A brooch formed from a cut-out enamel miniature of Victoria, Princess Royal, clasping a string of pearls from which hangs a diamond and ruby crucifix, with jewelled wings incorporating diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies and topaz. In presentation box.

Queen Victoria's first child, also named Victoria, was the subject of numerous art commissions including this enamel, gold and jewelled brooch. Inspired by a cherub in a painting by Raphael, Prince Albert designed the piece himself as a Christmas present for the Queen. 'The workmanship & design are quite exquisite,' she declared, '& dear Albert was so pleased at my delight over it, its having been entirely his own idea and taste'. This portrait of Princess Victoria was copied from a circular miniature by Sir William Ross (RCIN 420283), showing the Princess against a cloudy sky, and was copied numerous times.

Text from Victoria & Albert: Art & Love.