A mid 19th century turquoise, enamel and diamond bangle

A mid 19th century turquoise, enamel and diamond bangle

Of navette form, set with cabochon turquoise within a frame of rose-cut diamonds and black enamel, engraved to the reverse "Jemima St Germans given to her by H.M. Queen Victoria Sept. 3rd 1853" between similarly decorated tapering shoulders featuring a stylised Celtic crossover motif, inner diameter 5.6cm

The Great Industrial Exhibition was held in Dublin, Ireland from May to October 1853. At the end of August, the exhibition was visited by H.M. Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and two of their sons.

In Dublin, the royal family was hosted by Lord St Germans, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and his wife Lady Jemima St Germans. Queen Victoria’s diaries reveal their daily activities. She writes extensively about their visit and about Lady St Germans who was a close companion of the Queen throughout the trip. In the diary the Queen refers to Lady St Germans multiple times as "...a quiet, pleasing, sensible person".

On the evening of the 3rd of September, the date engraved on the bangle and the last night of their stay in Dublin, the two families dined together aborad the royal yacht. Queen Victoria writes it was "...a gay fine evening".

From a jewellery perspective, the 1853 Exhibition in Dublin was notable for its unveiling of the recently discovered 'Tara' brooch. The magnificent 8th century silver gilt brooch which was credited with spurning the revival of Celtic design. Jewellery in Celtic revival design was particularly featured at the Dublin exhibition.