AN EARLY 20TH CENTURY SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING, Set with cushion-shaped sapphire and diamonds, ring size I½

Property from the Estate of Pamela Myers

Pamela Myers was the wife of artist Bernard Myers (1925-2007). They moved to St Peter’s Wharf in 1985 where Bernard kept his studio.

Mrs Myers was the granddaughter of the eminent Victorian painter and illustrator Sir Luke Fildes KCVO RA (1843-1927). Fields himself was the grandson of the notable female political activist Mary Fildes (D. 1876) Sir Luke began his career as an illustrator for The Graphic in 1869, recording and commenting on contemporary events. His image of an empty chair to evoke the death of Charles Dickens influenced many, including Van Gogh, whose painting Gauguin's Chair of 1888 refers back to Fildes' composition. In 1874 he married Fanny Woods, an artist and artist model. Fildes enjoyed a highly successful career as a painter and was particularly known for his portraits, including those of King Edward VII, the Duke and Duchess of York and Prince George, the Prince of Wales.

The sapphire measures approx. 5.1x4.4x3.1mm. Prevalent abrasions to the sapphire. Diamonds well matched. The yellow mount is unmarked and untested. Some discolouration to the mount and general surface wear. Total lot weight approx. 1.7 grams.