Canning Jewel

During the 15^th to 17^th centuries, baroque pearls began to flood Europe from the Persian Gulf and many other well-known pearl sources at the time. Italian craftsman began to use these pearls, as well as other gems, to create pendants of mythical creatures. Among these was the Canning Jewel.

The Canning Jewel contains a 4 inch baroque pearl that is designed to look like the body of a merman. It is decorated with gold, diamonds, rubies and other gems. To give balance to this jewel, there are three pearls that hang from the bottom, a large one in the center and two from each end.

canning jewel

The Canning Jewel belonged to Charles John Canning, Governor General of India from 1856 to 1861. It is said to have been given to a Mogul Emperor of India as a gift from the Medici Family after being crafted by Benvenuto Cellini, a famous Florentine craftsman.

The jewel was sold to the Victoria Albert Museum in 1935 and still remains there today.

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