A gem-set jade archer's ring by repute from the collection of Maharani Jindan Kaur (1817-63), wife of Maharajah Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) Punjab, circa 1820, the pale green jade of typical form inlaid with foliate gold tendrils issuing kundan-set...

A gem-set jade archer's ring by repute from the collection of Maharani Jindan Kaur (1817-63), wife of Maharajah Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) Punjab, circa 1820, the pale green jade of typical form inlaid with foliate gold tendrils issuing kundan-set buds and flowerheads of emerald and ruby encircling a central cut-diamond, 4.2cm. long. 25 grams Provenance: Private collection, acquired by the vendor from the family of reknown London jeweller John Brogden (1820-1884) and formerly in the collection of Maharani Jindan Kaur (1817-63). John Brogden was one of the best known and most prolific of Victorian manufacturing jewellers during the second half of the 19th Century although his family had been in the trade since the early 18th century. He exhibited successfully at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London’s Crystal Palace showcasing a range of jewellery designs including archaeological revival style pieces inspired by the recently discovered ruins of the ancient city of Nineveh. Further acclaim was granted them at the 1855 Exhibition Universelle in Paris where the company won a gold medal, details of which were duly added to the silk linings of their jewellery cases. Brogden was awarded the Légion d’Honneur for “Goldsmiths’ work and jewellery in exquisite taste” as well as the gold medal of L’Academie Nationale, Paris. Examples of his Assyrian, Egyptian and Renaissance revival jewellery can be seen in both the Victoria and Albert Museum and The British Museum amongst others. During 1880 Brogden moved the firm and manufacturing capability to new premises at 6, Grand Hotel Buildings in Charing-Cross and he was granted a Royal Warrant from H.R.H. Prince Leopold, son of Queen Victoria, which he proudly added to the company information stamped on the silk linings of his jewellery boxes.