Cameo of a bust of Princess Charlotte (1796-1817), in profile to the left, depicted in the guise of a Roman empress with a diadem in her hair and ancient-style necklace.

The bust is surrounded by an inscription cut in relief in the white layer: CARLOTTA GIORGII CAES FIL AUGUSTA. Princess Charlotte of Wales was the only child of George IV and Caroline of Brunswick and heir presumptive to the throne. She married Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld in 1816. Her tragic death in childbirth the following year plunged the country into deep mourning. Large quantities of mourning jewellery were produced following her death. Despite the absence of any of the usual symbols, the cameo with its inscription appears to be a commemorative piece. The gold bracelet is ornamented with cannetille (related to filigree work) and grainti (granulated gold), techniques fashionable in the 1820s and 1830s. The central part of the bracelet may be detached and worn as a brooch.

Text adapted from Ancient and Modern Gems and Jewels in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen, London, 2008 and a catalogue entry from Gold, London, 2014.