Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu

An 18th century topaz, ruby and white enamelled memorial ring, the central cushion-shaped golden topaz in closed back setting, between pairs of rubies, gold mounted, with trifurcated shoulders, C-scroll edged, to a white enamelled scroll panelled shank, inset with gold lettering reading’ C. PRINCE LOST IN THE VICTORY 4 OCT 1744 AE:26’, ring size R. £1500-2000

HMS Victory, the legendary British warship that was the predecessor of Lord Nelson’s Victory, was the flagship and pride of the Royal Navy: launched in 1737, a first rate 100-gun warship built over three elaborate decks, and being at that time the largest vessel in the world.

HMS Victory was returning to Britain on what was to be her final voyage, under the command of Admiral Sir John Balchin, a remarkable sailor called back from retirement into active service in June 1744 at the advanced age of 74. Admiral Balchin appears to have been blessed with an “extraordinary constitution and fortitude of mind”. He had a “tenacious memory, sound judgement and the most intrepid courage; he was alarmed by no dangers, intimidated by no difficulties, he pursued his purposes with great perseverance, steadiness and resolution”. (Biographical Magazine, 1776).

HMS Victory had been involved in a successful rescue of a convoy in the Mediterranean, and had pursued the retreating French fleet back towards Cadiz. Returning homebound, on the night of 4th October, she entered the English Channel into the eye of a vicious storm. HMS Victory sank without trace, with the loss of all hands aboard, more than 1400 sailors, marines and volunteers.

The loss of HMS Victory was a national disaster, described as “the very worst Naval catastrophe on record”, (Fraser) and the nation became absorbed with speculation as to the cause of the tragedy, whether due to the top heavy design of the ship, possible rotting timbers, or failures by its captain to successfully navigate the storm. Blame was even levelled at the Alderney lighthouse keeper, who was subjected to a court martial, accused of failing in his duty to keep the lights on, thereby contributing to the tragedy. The association between the shipwreck and the Channel Isles continued to grow over time, with even as late as 1991, a set of stamps being printed depicting the sinking ship off Alderney, with the 18th century lighthouse helpless in the background.

For over 300 years, no one knew The Victory’s final resting place, until in 2008 it was discovered by the US treasure-hunting firm Odyssey Marine Exploration. The actual site of the wreck proved to be some 60 miles from where she had been presumed to be lost, being around 70 miles from the Casquets, a group of rocky islets north west of Alderney - thus solving Britain’s most compelling maritime mystery. Evidence as to her demise finally pointed to the fact that she had sunk as a direct result of the violent storm, but her design and construction being likely contributors to her final demise.

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The custom of wearing jewels to commemorate the death of a loved one began hundreds of years before the Georgian era, but their popularity enjoyed a great revival in the 18th century. Rings outnumbered all other types of mourning jewels and were given by those who could afford them.

Whilst most Georgian memorial rings were decorated in black enamel, white enamel was used to signify a child, or an unmarried person, in this instance, the white enamel being for the young sailor, C Prince, aged 26. Although no records for the young mariner can be found, he is likely to have been one of a hundred young midshipmen on board, many from the noblest families in the land, and certainly this fine quality memorial ring indicates a family of wealth and status.

The image depicts the oil painting by Peter Monamy (1681-1749) of ‘The Loss of HMS Victory 4th October 1744’, held at the National Maritime Museum.
© National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

See: Fraser, Edward: The Londons of the British Fleet, John Lane, Bodley Head, 1908
I. Ballantyne & J. Eastland: Victory, from fighting the Armada to Trafalgar and beyond. Pub. Pen & Sword Books, 2013
Georgian Jewellery 1714-1830 by G. Redington Dawes, with Olivia Collins, published by Antiques Collectors’ Club Ltd, 2007